Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
450. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for a cataract operation at University Hospital Waterford longer than six, 12, 14 and 18 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4458/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that waiting times are often unacceptably long and this places a significant burden on patients and their families. Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2018 allocated €55 million for the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in 2018, more than double its total allocation in 2017 of €20m.
The HSE and NTPF are working together to develop coherent and synergistic Waiting List Action Plans in 2018, with the objective of arranging the provision of treatment for patients across a range of inpatient/daycase and outpatient specialties and procedures. These initiatives will continue to focus on long-waiting patients and reducing overall waiting list numbers.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, the NTPF has advised that, as of 25 January 2018, the number of active Inpatient/Daycase (IPDC) patients waiting for a cataract procedure in University Hospital Waterford is as follows:
- 6-9 months: 319 patients waiting;
- 9-12 months: 342 patients waiting;
- 2-14 months: 118 patients waiting;
- 14-18 months: 97 patients waiting; and
- 18+ months: 92.
