The NTPF was established on a statutory basis in 2004 and previously arranged for the provision of hospital treatment to classes of persons determined by the Minister. Since 2011 this function has been suspended. Currently, in accordance with Reg 4(1) of the NTPF Board (Establishment) Order 2004, the NTPF carries out activities in respect of data and analytics, audit and quality assurance of waiting lists and pricing under the Nursing Home Support Scheme.
The NTPF supports the management of in-patient, day-case and outpatient waiting lists, by working with the HSE to assist hospitals in developing local demand and capacity planning and providing technical guidance materials to ensure the highest standard of data quality and practice. The expertise amassed by the NTPF in respect of waiting lists has proven invaluable in assisting the HSE to administer previous waiting list initiatives and in carrying out smaller-scale targeted initiatives in areas such as the Endoscopy Initiative in 2016. Its annual budget allocation has been aligned with these functions.
A tabular statement setting out details of the annual budget of the NTPF and the number of patients treated per annum is enclosed with this response.
Finally, the 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.
Year
|
Total Patient Numbers
|
NTPF Care Expenditure (€m)
|
Revenue Grant from Department of Health (€m)
|
2016 (Forecast)
|
3,000
|
2.0
|
5.1
|
2015
|
1,092
|
1.0
|
5.1
|
2014
|
1,002
|
0.5
|
5.1
|
2013
|
1,950
|
4.8
|
17.4
|
2012
|
2,012
|
41.9
|
40.6
|
2011
|
19,217
|
57
|
85.6
|
2010
|
33,639
|
84
|
90.1
|
2009
|
28,758
|
90
|
90.4
|
2008
|
36,269
|
94
|
104.6
|
2007
|
32,638
|
95
|
91.7
|
2006
|
24,411
|
75
|
78.6
|
2005
|
18,994
|
60
|
64.0
|
2004
|
13,627
|
42
|
44.0
|