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Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Questions (410)

David Cullinane

Question:

410. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the manner in which Cappagh kids ward and paediatrics at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11 are funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7191/22]

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Written answers

It is of particular regret that children can experience long waiting times for treatment especially for time sensitive procedures. I remain acutely aware of the impact this has on children and their families. Reducing paediatric orthopaedic waiting times remains a Ministerial priority and will be addressed as a key priority area in the 2022 Waiting List Action Plan. Officials in the Department of Health remain in regular contact with Children’s Health Ireland in relation to developing plans to reduce waiting times, improve activity levels and associated service planning.

The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.

In addition, the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.

For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.

In relation to the particular query raised, concerning the funding of Cappagh kids ward and paediatrics at Cappagh Hospital, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

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