Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 July 2016
318. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which waiting times can be reduced for elective procedures in hospitals throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23066/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key challenge for our health system is ensuring timely access to health services. There has been a considerable increase in demand for care in our health system in recent years. 100,000 patients have an elective in-patient procedure and 800,000 have a planned day case procedure. Up to the end of May 2016, there has been an increase of over 19,000 scheduled in-patient / daycase procedures, in comparison to the same period in 2015.
The key issue for patients is how long they wait. It is important to note that approximately 60% of patients wait less than 6 months for their required inpatient/daycase procedure and that 91% of patients wait less than the maximum permissible waiting time of 15 months for that procedure.
I met with the HSE National Director for Acute Hospitals on Friday, 15 July, regarding proposed measures to tackle waiting lists. I requested that the HSE prepare an action plan, setting out specific measures that the HSE will implement, in conjunction with hospitals, between now and the end of 2016 in order to tackle waiting lists. I have agreed with the HSE that the action plan should focus on process improvement in how hospitals manage their waiting lists, with a particular focus on validating waiting lists, as well as on actions to reduce waiting times for those patients waiting longest. The HSE will report to my Department on a regular basis regarding progress on implementing the action plan.
This Government recognises that a sustained commitment to improving waiting times is required. Consequently, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to €15m funding to the NTPF to address waiting lists in 2017, as part of the Programme’s commitment to a continued investment of €50m per year to reduce waiting lists. This commitment seeks to utilise the expertise of the NTPF to further assist the HSE in addressing specific waiting list pressures. The Department of Health has commenced engagement with the NTPF and the HSE to deliver on these waiting list commitments in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
