Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2015
545. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry is eligible for the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if not, the waiting time for the person's surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23055/15]
View answerI am determined that waiting times for spinal services at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin must be addressed. Funding was allocated in the HSE Service Plan for 2015 for the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff at Crumlin. This will maximise the use of available theatre sessions in the hospital. The first of these additional staff is now in post, and recruitment for the remaining posts is in process. In addition, capital funding has been agreed for a new theatre on site at Crumlin, which will expand theatre capacity further. As a further measure, available capacity is being identified in other hospitals and some children are being transferred for their surgery, where it is considered clinically appropriate for them. The Children's Hospital Group, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and the HSE are working together on an ongoing basis to identify all options to increase capacity further.
In relation to the particular patient query raised by you, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.
