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About this blog

We need to improve the way we identify chargeable NHS patients. That could mean visitors from the EEA, whose costs must be reimbursed by their home country, or those from outside the EEA who must fund their own NHS care.

We need to make sure we are reclaiming the costs that are due  and that the system is clear about where and how charges should apply which is fair to visitors and migrants, fair to taxpayers and fair to the NHS.

We know that many in the NHS agree, but are struggling to work with a system that is complicated and ineffective. The government is clear that this situation needs to change.

The government has committed to making improvements to the system so that identifying chargeable patients and recovering costs becomes much easier. As part of this commitment, the Secretary of State for Health has appointed Sir Keith Pearson as the independent NHS advisor to this programme. Over the coming months, Sir Keith will be working with NHS managers and clinicians to understand what we need to do to make the changes happen and to have a fairer NHS for everyone.

We will use this blog to keep you updated on the Visitor and Migrant NHS Cost Recovery programme. It will also be a good opportunity for you to ask questions and spark discussions about this programme of work.

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