Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1072. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a hospital waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37763/17]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2017
Questions (1072)
Written answers
I acknowledge that waiting times are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families. Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018.
In order to reduce the numbers of long-waiting patients, I asked the HSE, in conjunction with the NTPF, to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2017 in the areas of Inpatient/Daycase, Scoliosis and Outpatient Services. These plans have been published and their implementation is ongoing. The Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient Plans focus on reducing the number of patients waiting 15 months or more for inpatient and daycase treatment or for an outpatient appointment by the end of October. The NTPF is currently rolling out its Waiting List Initiative focused on supporting the delivery of the HSE’s Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List Action Plan