Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
238. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of patients waiting for outpatient surgery in Tallaght hospital who have had their initial appointments changed to a later date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18693/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government. In April the Inpatient and Day Case Action Plan was published to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment. This is a joint Action Plan, with the HSE delivering 1.14 million hospital operations or procedures and the NTPF delivering 20,000 Inpatient Day Case treatments and 4,000 Gastro Intestinal Scopes.
The Outpatient Waiting List remains a significant challenge to be addressed in 2018. Each year, 3.3 million patients attend Hospital Outpatient clinics for appointments. A number of steps are being taken to reduce Outpatient waiting lists, including a national waiting list validation project by the HSE, to ensure the accuracy of lists.
In addition, the HSE has commenced development of an Outpatient Action Plan for 2018. It will work with the NTPF and the Department of Health to finalise a joint plan focused on improving overall use of resources to tackle long patient waiting times and ensuring timely access to treatment and care for patients.
In relation to your particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
