Reducing waiting times for patients is one of the Government's key priorities.
Throughout 2017, the HSE and NTPF worked together to drive down long wait times for Inpatient and Daycase procedures. Over 29,000 patients came off the Inpatient/Daycase waiting list by the end of October .
In order to continue the strong focus on reducing waiting times for scheduled care, Budget 2018 included an allocation of additional funding to fund further waiting list initiatives in 2017. This included an initiative to treat complex spinal patients on the Tallaght Hospital waiting list. Provision of treatment under this initiative is ongoing.
October's Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the NTPF for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles the 2017 total allocation of €20m. The NTPF and HSE are in the process of finalising Waiting List Action Plans and Initiatives for 2018. This will include ambitious targets for both the HSE and NTPF to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment.
I expect to publish the 2018 Inpatient Day Case Waiting List Action Plan at the end of February.
In relation to the particular query raised regarding surgical theatres, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
