NHS Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme (WLRS)

Support for Kensington Medical Centre Patients in Belfast

If you’ve been waiting more than 104 weeks (2 years) for surgery or treatment within the Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland system, you may now access private care in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) and claim reimbursement through the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme (WLRS).

This new Department of Health initiative launched on 2 June 2025 and is designed to help patients get timely treatment and reduce long NHS waiting times.

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✅ Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you:
• Are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland
• Have a clinical need for the treatment
• Are on an HSCNI inpatient or surgical waiting list for more than 104 weeks - 2 years
• Are seeking a treatment normally available in the HSC system
• Have not received reimbursement elsewhere
• Obtain prior approval from the Department of Health before treatment

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✅ What Treatments Are Covered?

The scheme covers:
• Initial consultation
• Surgery
• Immediate post-operative care

✅ Treatments must be provided by private hospitals or clinics in the Republic of Ireland and must match HSC standards.

❌ Excluded services:
• Long-term care
• Organ transplant services
• Clinical trials
• Public vaccination programmes

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✅ How the Reimbursement Works

Step-by-Step Process:
1. Choose a private RoI provider for the treatment you need.
2. Apply for prior approval from the Department of Health using the application form.
3. On approval, pay the provider directly for your care.
4. After treatment, submit your receipts to the Department for reimbursement.
5. You’ll be reimbursed the actual cost or the HSC NI equivalent cost – whichever is lower.

💡 Note: Travel, accommodation, and insurance costs are not covered.

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⏳ Timescales and Processing
• Reimbursement decisions can take up to 20 working days
• Payment processing after treatment may take up to 6 weeks
• You will be informed in writing once your application has been reviewed

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🛡️ Patient Responsibility

Please remember:
• You arrange and pay for the treatment yourself
• The Department of Health has no clinical responsibility for the outcome
• You must ensure your provider is safe and appropriate
• You should take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance
• Carry a valid EHIC/GHIC card for emergencies

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📝 Supporting Documents Required

When applying, include:
• A letter from your HSC Trust confirming your waiting list status
• Your Health and Care number
• Your National Insurance number
• Any other documents as outlined in the application form

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Frequently Asked Questions – Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme click here

📍 Contact and Help

Department of Health – Northern Ireland National Contact Point
📍 12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BS
📧 Email: NationalContactPoint@hscni.net
📞 Tel: +44 (0)28 9536 8303

If you’re a patient at Kensington Medical Centre Belfast and would like help understanding the application process, our admin and clinical team are happy to support.

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🔗 Useful Links
• Full Scheme Details – HSC NI
• Download the Application Form (PDF)

ROI Providers

You may wish to seek further information on ROI providers and the services they offer.
The National Contact Point for cross border healthcare in ROI may be able to assist you.

National Contact Point,
Cross-Border Healthcare Directive Department,
HSE,
St Canice’s Hospital,
Dublin Road,
Kilkenny

Email: crossborderdirective@hse.ie

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🏥 About Kensington Medical Centre

We are a friendly GP practice in central Belfast, offering expert guidance and support with health-related paperwork, NHS referrals, and access to trusted medical advice. If you’re eligible for this reimbursement scheme and unsure where to begin, contact us today.

📞 Tel: 028 9032 5679