Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2006
284 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the efforts she is making to reduce the waiting times for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if it is acceptable for these delays to affect a persons health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37523/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of patient waiting lists is a matter for the National Hospitals Office of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the individual hospitals concerned. However, in general, patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The NTPF deals with representations from TDs on behalf of their constituents on an on-going basis. Accordingly, the Deputy might consider contacting the Chief Executive of the Fund directly in relation to this case.
In view of the overall responsibility of the HSE, I have asked my Department to request the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
