The Scottish Government has launched a consultation into 'health tourism' to find out what the Scottish public and health professionals think about the European Union plans.

Focusing on the Patient Mobility EU Directive, the consultation will seek views on what impact there could be on the planning and management of NHS services in Scotland, as well as the potential amount of patients who would cross EU borders for healthcare.

The consultation will also look at the information patients would need to make an informed decision about going to another EU state for treatment. 

If the directive is approved then Scottish patients will be able to seek treatment abroad and later claim the cost back from the NHS in Scotland.

Commenting on the consultation, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon stated: "Although EU negotiations are reserved, it is vital that Scottish interests are protected. That is why we are conducting a Scottish consultation.

"We want to ensure that, where Scottish patients choose to travel abroad for care, they have clarity and certainty about what they can expect the NHS to fund. 

"Equally, it is important that the NHS is able to plan properly for the possibility of people from other EU countries coming to Scotland for treatment and ensure that Scottish patients still get the priority they are entitled to."

Sturgeon outlined plans to use the views gathered to "ensure Scotland's interests are safeguarded" during any future negotiations conducted by the UK Government.