Patients are still struggling to access care due to unresolved issues with cross-border healthcare.
That’s the warning from the Welsh Affairs Committee, which has raised concerns that individuals living near the Wales-England border are continuing to face delays, confusion, and disruption because of long-standing problems with data sharing, referrals, and transport between the two health systems.
In its latest statement, the committee expressed frustration that little progress has been made since similar concerns were raised in 2015.
The committee said: "Our committee is deeply concerned by the lack of urgency in addressing long-standing issues affecting cross-border healthcare patients.
"Despite our predecessor committee raising alarm bells in 2015, patients are still experiencing the same frustrations today.
"We’ve heard evidence of difficulties with securing specialist treatment, transferring patient data across the border and arranging transport for appointments.
"It is unacceptable these issues are still on-going today.
"Patients should not have to face unnecessary barriers to receive the treatment they deserve."
While many patients with clear care plans report positive experiences, the committee said others are at risk of becoming lost in the system and unsure where to turn for help.
It warned that complex referral processes could leave patients "falling through the gaps".
The committee also called for a more patient-focused approach.
It said: "We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to our inquiry so far, and we will be continuing to examine what more can be done to improve outcomes for cross-border healthcare patients."
The Welsh Affairs Committee is working with the Senedd Health and Social Care Committee to jointly examine cross-border healthcare on both sides of the Wales-England border.
Jayne Bryant, MS and chair of the Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee, said: "Healthcare should not be made more difficult by the existence of two different systems.
"For those travelling between Wales and England for healthcare, challenges have persisted for years and require action from both the Welsh and UK Governments.
"As a new committee in a new Senedd, we are eager to get to work.
"We want to help drive improvements for patients and ensure that no one falls through the gaps."
