Most local residents sent to the UK for procedures or treatment have their accommodation and travel arranged and paid upfront by the States.
However, in some circumstances patients need to make their own arrangements and pay for them at the time, and are then eligible to claim reimbursement from the States.
Such claims are understood to be taking up to 10 weeks for the States to process and settle.
In some cases, Health & Social Care’s travel team is still able to approve reimbursements swiftly, but it is taking longer than previously to pay them.
‘In cases where a patient organised their own travel and is seeking a refund, we are working to streamline the process both within HSC but also in liaison with the wider States team who subsequently process the payment,’ said HSC president George Oswald.
‘We are aware of the delays currently experienced and apologise for the delays and the related inconvenience.
‘If patients are waiting for a refund and it is causing hardship, they should not hesitate to contact the team who will liaise with the relevant section where that refund is processed at that time to see how it could be expedited.’
Deputy Oswald said that processes were in place to reduce the number of patients needing to pay upfront and claim reimbursements.
They include a requirement for bookings to be made through the Channel Islands liaison team or ward teams at Southampton Hospital, the patient liaison team at Guys & St Thomas Hospital and HSC’s patient travel team.
If that facility is not available – for example if the patient is at another UK hospital – travel can be organised out of hours by calling the Click Travel team on 01215 102269.
Details are also published on the States website at www.gov.gg/offislandtreatment