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Gnáthamharc

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2004

Thursday, 1 April 2004

Ceisteanna (112)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

112 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding waiting lists for patients nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10345/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Waiting times have been reduced. The number of adults waiting more than 12 months for inpatient treatment in the nine target surgical specialties has fallen by approximately 42% from 6,273 to 3,658 between September 2002 and September 2003. The number of children waiting more than six months for in-patient treatment for the same target surgical specialties has decreased by 39%, from 1,201 to 734 in the same period.

The national treatment purchase fund is continuing to target those adults and children waiting longest for treatment. In most instances the fund will facilitate adults waiting more than six months and children waiting more than three months. Patients can be treated a lot quicker, in many instances, if patients are prepared to travel to where there is capacity. To date the fund has arranged treatment for approximately 12,000 patients.

I have decided to give a significant lead role to the NTPF in targeting waiting times for patients. I increased its funding in 2004 and raised the overall allocation to €44 million.

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