Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2017
222. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to reduce the number of patients not presenting for outpatient appointments in the public health system; the annual cost of this nationally; the number of no shows per annum nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2403/17]
View answerIn November 2016, the HSE launched the Strategy for the design of Integrated Outpatient Services 2016-2020. This programme will include strategies to address the issue of patients not presenting for appointments.
In addition, last year I asked the HSE to consider what digital solutions can be implemented into the health system to assist in the reduction of times to access the healthcare service. The solutions under development will include measures in the area of patients not presenting for appointments.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
