Bernard J. Durkan
Question:339 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients currently on waiting lists for cataract removal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18395/02]
Adjournment Debate. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:343 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current number of persons on waiting lists for heart and hip surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18400/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 343 together.
The number of people on public hospital waiting lists for ophthalmology, cardiac and orthopaedic surgery for the quarter ended March 2002, the latest date for which figures are available, is being provided separately to the Deputy.
Considerable progress has been made in reducing waiting times for public patients. In the period March 2001 to March 2002 the total number of adults waiting for more than 12 months for cardiac surgery has decreased by 62% and the number of children waiting more than 6 months for cardiac surgery has decreased by 67%. There has been a reduction of 13% in the number of adults waiting more than 12 months for orthopaedic procedures in the period March 2001 to March 2002. Adults waiting more than 12 months for ophthalmology procedures has been reduced by 33%.
The health strategy places a new focus on waiting times. While the Waiting List Initiative will continue to fund additional elective activity, a new dedicated national treatment purchase fund is being used to target those waiting longest for treatment by purchasing treatments for public patients in private hospitals. The national treatment purchase fund is expected to fund treatment for up to 1,900 patients this year.
Question No. 340 answered with Question No. 328.