David Cullinane
Question:860. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when the HSE will establish target outpatient wait times for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12975/21]
View answerWednesday, 10 March 2021
Questions (860)
Written answers
The HSE Management Data Report (MDR) reports on HSE activity against Key Performance Indicators as set out in the National Service Plan for 2021. Under the National Service Plan 2021, the target for all hospital groups is for 75% of people, including children, to wait less than 52 weeks for a first Outpatient Department appointment.
The Department oversees the performance of the HSE in relation to the delivery of the services set out in its National Service Plan. This is achieved through an on-going monthly performance management process where the HSE reports against the targets set out in the Service Plan. Monthly high-level meetings between management in both organisations are held to discuss on-going or emerging performance issues and to determine actions to resolve and improve areas of concern. There is also regular engagement between HSE and departmental officials on a wide range of issues to ensure compliance with policy objectives.
Outpatient waiting list information has been collected and published by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) since 2013. The data represents those waiting for a first appointment at a consultant-led Outpatient clinic. The Outpatient Waiting List report shows the total number of patients waiting, across the various time bands, for a first appointment at a consultant-led Outpatient clinic
The NTPF has advised my Department that work is underway on the separation of adult and child waiting lists for inpatient, day case and outpatient waiting lists in public hospitals. The associated Statistical Disclosure Control (SDC) issues that arise from this work have presented a number of significant challenges which delayed the project to date. However, the NTPF has advised that they plan to include Paediatric Waiting lists in the publication of the March 2021 waiting list figures.