Jackie Cahill
Question:193. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the primary care psychology waiting list reduction initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59352/21]
View answerFriday, 3 December 2021
Questions (193)
Written answers
The Primary Care Psychology Waiting List Initiative was implemented to target a reduction in the number of children and young people under the age of 18 who are waiting more than 12 months to access primary care psychology services.
Measures being implemented include the provision of overtime/increased hours where appropriate; the use of private capacity; arrangement of initial screening and/or once-off brief therapeutic appointments to supply clients with support/information; re-prioritisation of clients etc.
Significant progress has already been made since the commencement of this initiative, with the latest updates (end October 2021) demonstrating that the number of these clients waiting for over a year has reduced by 1026 (19%) compared to March 2021.