A TUTSHILL resident is frustrated that she has been told that from now on she must use the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport – despite not being allowed to have a Welsh bus pass.

Janet Banks called the Review after receiving a leaflet from Action4OurCare who are campaigning against the cross-border healthcare changes.

She is calling for those who live in the affected areas to join forces and write to their local councillors asking them to investigate if the policy can be challenged.

The new policy which was introduced by the Welsh Government last September affects those living on the border. The new policy means that those who are registered to a Welsh GP are not allowed to use an English hospital and instead must use the Royal Gwent Hospital.

However, some residents like Janet are finding that they can not use their English bus passes to get to appointments in Wales.

Mrs Banks said: "I heard whispers about the changes but didn't fully understand what was going on until about two weeks ago when I received the leaflet through my door from Action4 OurCare.

"As I am registered at the Vauxhall Surgery in Tutshill, which is Welsh, I have to use a Welsh hospital from now. What we need is an English surgery then we wouldn't have these problems.

"It is causing a lot of confusion and frus­tration among residents in places such as Tutshill. I don't have a Welsh bus pass, yet I have a Chepstow postcode, and have been told that from now on I must go to the Royal Gwent but I would prefer using Lydney Hospital.

"Tutshill is technically in England and the confusion is having a knock-on effect on where residents on the border go. I don't see why we should be penalised because we can't go to our local hospital on this side of the border.

"I am fortunate that I don't require medical assistance very often and if I do I have my own car or my daughter can take me to appointments, but I know many people who are not as fortunate and it is costing them an arm and a leg in travelling fees to attend their appointments in Wales because they can't use their English bus pass."

A Welsh Government spokesperson, said: "The Welsh Government has made it clear that it is the responsibility of health boards to secure high quality, safe care for their residents as close to a patient's home as possible, while taking into account the needs of the community as a whole and making best use of their resources.

"Each health board is reviewing services to achieve this. Where they feel the patient's circumstances and clinical need justify this, health boards do have the flexibility to refer patients outside their area. 

"Aneurin Bevan Health Board has confirmed that the majority of referrals received on behalf of English residents since the policy has been in place have been approved, based on clinical needs and personal circumstances. From the outset the Health Board has confirmed it would review its out of area policy after six months.

"This will be carried out shortly and will take account of any concerns and issues raised during this period as part of the considerations on how the policy may need to be amended."

However they did not respond on the transport issues.

Action4OurCare are holding a public meeting on Saturday, July 20 at The Pavillion in St Briavels from 10am to 11.30am.