Written question WQ96838

NHS policy and NHS governance and structures are different between Wales and England. However, both seek the same goal to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the population.

Welsh health boards continue to build on the well-established links and mutual arrangements in place between the two countries, with Welsh health boards accessing additional services and capacity in NHS England providers and vice versa. NHS providers in Wales and England also routinely provide services for patients who live in border communities.

In 2023-24, there were over 60,000 finished consultant episodes of Welsh residents being treated in England, and over 7,000 where English residents were treated in Wales.

Working together and sharing best practice helps improve outcomes for patients in England and Wales and supports health boards in Wales and Integrated Care Boards in England to make best use of the capacity available and to help reduce waiting times.

As part of the additional £120m invested this year to help reduce waiting times, Welsh health boards will continue to secure all available capacity to ensure patients can access care as quickly as possible, which may include cross border arrangements.