Improving waiting times for scheduled care for patients is a priority for the Government. In January, taking into account current pressures on acute hospital services, I put in place maximum permissible waiting times for inpatient and day case treatment and outpatient appointments of 18 months by 30 June and 15 months by year end.
The HSE was provided with additional funding of €51m to ensure that these maximum waiting times would be achieved. The funding provided is intended to maximise capacity across public and voluntary hospitals as well as outsourcing activity where the capacity is not available to meet patient needs within the maximum allowable waiting time. In order to maintain progress and to make further improvements to achieve a 15 month maxima by end December, the HSE is now fining hospitals that have breached the maximum permissible waiting time for 18 months. These fines are designed to incentivise performance.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the other matters raised. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.