The NTPF publishes the updated public waiting list figures each month on its website (www.NTPF.ie) and the most recent figures as of 27th October were published on 4th November. The figures relating to Neurology inpatient and day case and outpatient waiting lists can be viewed in tabular form by the Deputy on this website. In the 2016 National Service Plan, the HSE has set out the following targets for inpatient day case and outpatient targets; 95% of patients should wait less that 15 months for an inpatient or day case procedure and 85% of patients should wait less than 52 weeks for their first appointment.
There are currently 271 patients waiting for an inpatient or day case neurology appointment across all of the Hospital Groups. 72% of these patients have been waiting less than 6 months and 84% are waiting less than 15 months for their inpatient or day case appointment.
A total of 16,470 people are waiting for an outpatient neurology appointment. 78% of these people are waiting less than 12 months for their appointment.
At my request, in August, the HSE developed an Action Plan to reduce, by year end, the number of patients currently waiting 18 months or more for an inpatient/daycase procedure. The action plan also involves putting in place systematic process improvements in respect of waiting list management, which will be supported and monitored by SDU performance improvement 'Leads' in each Hospital Group.
In addition to this Budget 2017 provides for the treatment of our longest-waiting patients. €20m is being allocated to the NTPF, rising to €55m in 2018. Planning of this initiative is at an advanced stage by the NTPF, my Department and the HSE.