Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - General Medical Services Scheme.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

135 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children if medical card patients offered treatment under the treatment purchase scheme outside of their local hospital or health board area, will be transported to and from the hospital where the operations are performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3167/03]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

373 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children if all patients offered treatment under the treatment purchase scheme in Britain will have their fares paid to and from the place of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3166/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 373 together.

Arising from the Health Strategy Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You, one of the key actions for dealing with public hospital waiting lists was the establishment of the national treatment purchase fund – NTPF. The NTPF was set up in April 2002 and referred its first patients for treatment at the end of June. Health boards and hospitals have been asked to identify public hospital patients waiting longest on in-patient lists, so that they can be offered treatment under this initiative. The NTPF is initially concentrating on adults who have been waiting on in-patient lists over twelve months and children waiting over six months. The patient's consent to being treated under this scheme is also sought. Capacity is sourced by the NTPF and patients are referred for treatment.

Should any travelling difficulties be experienced by patients receiving treatment under the NTPF initiative within Ireland, the local liaison officer within the appropriate hospital-health board should be contacted and he-she will be able to assist. If patients are required to travel outside of Ireland for treatment, the NTPF will arrange for transport to and from the airport. The patient will be met at the airport and brought to the treating hospital. The costs associated with all travel requirements to the UK will be borne by the NTPF.