We can learn from rest of Europe on healthcare says Liz Lynne MEP

5.19.00pm GMT Thu 19th Feb 2009

Liz Lynne (LibDem, UK) spoke last night at an ALDE sponsored debate on cross- border healthcare in Europe.

Liz, who is Co- Chair of MEPs Against Cancer and the Shadow Rapportuer for the Employment and Social Affairs Committee on the Cross- Border Healthcare Directive, said that she broadly supports the new proposals, which will see patients being allowed to travel to other countries to get treatment if their doctor decides they will have to wait too long in their own state.

However, Liz also made it clear that the new directive must be more transparent in giving patients information about what safety standards are in place and the type of treatment they would receive in another country.

Liz also spoke of the need for sharing of best- practice between the Member States in order to combat problems such as MRSA and Needle Stick Injuries.

Liz said:

"I believe if we put in place legislation to make it easier for people to cross borders for treatment patients must have the right to know what standards are in place if they do go to another Member State including information about the competence of the medical professional that will be treating them in the Member State they go to for that treatment.

"For the past few years I have been leading calls for an amendment to the biological agent's directive to make sure among other things the use of safety needles is mandatory.

Healthcare workers are currently exposed to 1 million such injuries every year across the EU and standards vary wildly between Member States.

"I believe that if we are talking about cross border healthcare, then we must also do more to address Healthcare acquired infections such as MRSA and I have tabled an amendment to this effect, calling for an exchange of best practice among EU Member States."

ENDS