From April 2017 all hospitals will be legally bound to check upfront whether patients are eligible for free NHS treatment.

It is part of the Government's plans to recover the cost of up to £500 million a year for health treatments provided to patients from overseas who are not eligible for free care. All hospitals will have to establish whether patients are eligible for free treatment and to charge upfront those who are not eligible for any non-urgent, planned care.

Our New EPR system gives us the opportunity to ensure we flag and record all our patients’ status. Our Overseas Team of Philip Ashworth and James Pickles have both become EPR Friends to help and assist colleagues in ensuring patients are identified, flagged and investigated.

The EPR System will identify overseas visitors but relies on information being correct and accurate to ensure we do not miss where a patient should pay.   If a patient wrongly receives free treatment we have to chase the treatment fee as a debt. 

We appreciate all the referrals/enquires that staff contact us with therefore if you would like us to come and speak to your team, then please contact us on :-

Overseas Office Number     01422 222963

Philip Ashworth                    Mob: 07876846441                Email: philip.ashworth@cht.nhs.uk  

James Pickles                       Mob: 07827 807192               Email: james.pickles@cht.nhs.uk