Vol. 559 No. 1
295 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an ear, nose and throat assessment by a consultant; and if this person can be assessed and treated under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [25344/02]
The provision of medical services in the case of the person named from County Mayo is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the Chief Executive Officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and reply to the Deputy directly.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund was established to deal with those longest on inpatient waiting lists. Initially, the fund has targeted a cohort of 8,300 patients; that is adults who are on an inpatient waiting list over 12 months and children who are on an inpatient waiting list for over six months. When this cohort of patients has been dealt with the National Treatment Purchase Fund will consider further options.
