Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012
690 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which waiting lists for various services in both public and private hospitals have fluctuated over the past three years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29810/12]
View answerThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) collects waiting list data for inpatients and day case surgery on behalf of all public hospitals in Ireland. This data is then submitted to the HSE as part of monthly performance reports. The Department does not collect waiting list data for private hospitals. The following table shows the percentage of those waiting for all elective inpatient and daycase procedures, for 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and over 12 months.
|
Year |
% * less than 3 months |
% between 3 and 6 months |
% between 6 and 12 months |
% > 12 months |
|
Dec 2009 |
57 |
23 |
17 |
3 |
|
Dec 2010 |
59 |
24 |
15 |
2 |
|
Dec 2011 |
52 |
27 |
21 |
1 |
|
End April 2012 |
53 |
25 |
21 |
< 1 |
*All %'s rounded to nearest whole number.
Reducing maximum waiting time targets for elective procedures is an important goal for my Department. At the end of 2011, 95% of all hospitals achieved the maximum waiting time target of 12 months. The target for 2012 is in the first instance for all hospitals to maintain these achievements and then to successfully achieve a 9 month maximum waiting time target. Targeting the longest waiters is the fairest and most equitable approach to treating patients. This is already reflected in the reduction in the percentage of those waiting more 12 months.
