Richard Bruton
Question:82. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the throughput of the National Treatment Purchase Agency in 2023; and the plans for 2024. [48358/23]
View answerThursday, 9 November 2023
Questions (82)
Written answers
The 2023 Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) set ambitious targets for the National Treatment Purchase Fund for this year. As of the 29th of September, the NTPF had made offers of treatment to 44,551 patients on the IPDC waiting list, 21,931 on the GI Scope list and some 164,460 outpatient appointments had been approved. In addition, 63,535 vouchers for diagnostics (EDANS) had been utilised across hospital groups.
The WLAP identifies 20 specific high volume procedures, that at the end of 2022 accounted for more than 40% of the IPDC waiting list, with a commitment that anyone waiting 3 months or over who is clinically suitable will receive an offer of care from the NTPF. As at the end of September, 82% of patients waiting more than 3 months have either been removed from the waiting list or have received an authorisation for an offer of NTPF funded treatment.
The Waiting List Task Force continues to meet monthly and oversee progress of the delivery of the 2023 Plan, including updates from the NTPF in relation to the 20 high volume procedures identified in the Plan. The Task Force then provides regular updates to me and the Sláintecare Programme Board.
2024 NTPF activity is being finalised as part of the 2024 Waiting List Action Plan.
Questions Nos. 83 to 88, inclusive, answered orally.