NHS Board Chief Executives /Medical Directors and Overseas Visitors Healthcare Managers

04 February 2020

NHS Board Chief Executives /Medical Directors and Overseas Visitors Healthcare Managers,

Please be advised that we have today laid emergency legislation, in the interest of public health, that will come into force tomorrow 30 January 2020.

The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020 introduces exemption from charging for the diagnosis and treatment of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

It is vital that all NHS and healthcare staff understand the change means the NHS in Scotland (as in the rest of the UK), will not be charging overseas patients with suspected Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). NHS Board staff must be clear that any overseas visitors who think they have Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) but do not, will also not be charged to ensure absolutely no one is deterred from getting tested.

Please see here for a copy of the latest update as at 21st February 2020 outlining the New regulations coming into effect on Saturday 22 February 2020.