RTP reports the new Waitlist Recovery Programme in Healthcare has sparked criticism from hospital managers who say the law restricts referrals and may violate patient rights, arguing it stops private-sector doctors from referring patients to public hospitals where they also work. The dispute centres on how cross-sector referrals will operate under the programme and whether it will slow patient flow rather than speed up access. Patients who use both private and public providers should check with their doctors and hospital administrations about referral rules and appointments. Those relying on mixed public-private care should monitor communications from their provider.

Update: Managers say law bars private-to-public referrals

RTP reports hospital managers say the Waitlist Recovery Programme prevents private-sector doctors from referring patients to public hospitals where they also practise, and they argue the restriction could breach patient rights and slow rather than speed access to care.