Written Answers Nos. 1-65
46. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the role of his Department in approving an increased salary level for a CEO of a section 38 organisation that has been unable to recruit a suitable candidate at the approved rate of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21673/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015, my Department completed a review of the appropriate salary levels for the CEOs of Section 38 funded agencies, in conjunction with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The review came about as a result of a recommendation made in the HSE’s Internal Audit Report on remuneration of senior managers in Section 38 agencies. This recommendation stated that a review of the remuneration rates of CEOs and senior management was required for a number of organisations, particularly in the social care area, to ensure pay rates reflect the comparable size, scale and complexity of each organisation.
Where a Section 38 organisation can demonstrate that it has attempted to fill a post but has been unsuccessful in attracting suitable applicants, there may be grounds for a business case to be made to the HSE to seek an increase in the remuneration level payable. If the HSE were supportive, it would then be considered by my Department. Given the senior level of the post in question, sanction would also be required from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
I understand that the Deputy has already made representations in relation to one specific agency, KARE. I am aware that this is not the only agency in this sector experiencing this challenge. My officials have sought a meeting with colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to explore the issue further. As outlined any change to the approved salary attaching to a CEO position requires the submission of a business case to the HSE and the approval of both my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
49. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 5 December 2017, the staff who have been recruited to enable St. Finbarr's ward, UHG to support an orthopaedic elective service at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23457/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraElective orthopaedic services are provided at Merlin Park Hospital.
The Deputy will be aware that in September 2017, leaks developed in the roof of the building that houses the two orthopaedic theatres at Merlin Park Hospital. This necessitated the closure of both theatres in the interest of patient safety. The Saolta University Healthcare Group, with a view to retaining elective orthopaedic services within Galway University Hospitals, transferred a number of staff to University Hospital Galway, as an interim measure. In that regard, 8 elective orthopaedic beds were opened in St Finbarr’s ward and these operated from October 2017 to March 2018.
Works on the repairs of the roof at Merlin Park have now been completed. Consequently, staff who had transferred temporarily to St. Finbarr's Ward have returned to Merlin Park where elective orthopaedic surgery has recommenced. The Deputy may wish to note that there are now 25 elective orthopaedic beds, comprising 21 inpatient beds and 4 day beds, at the hospital and these beds have been in operation since March last.
Finally, I should mention that the HSE has submitted a proposal to the Department for the development of increased bed capacity across the system, and this includes a submission from Saolta University Health Care Group. This proposal is part of a general submission from the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which can be opened and staffed this year, and into 2019, in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/19. Consideration of the proposal is at an early stage.
52. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason more than 10,000 persons had been waiting over a year for an outpatient appointment in Galway University Hospital in April 2018. [23511/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that Outpatient waiting times are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
Each year 3.3 million patients attend Hospital Outpatient clinics for appointments, with demand for services growing year-on-year. A key component of the management of waiting lists by hospitals is the categorisation of patients by clinical priority to ensure that all patients receive care in timely and clinically appropriate matter.
The HSE Service Plan 2018 sets out a target that 80% of patients waiting for a first outpatient appointment will be seen within a 52 week wait timeframe.
In 2017, Galway University Hospital had over 246,000 Outpatient Department attendances. This was the highest outpatient attendance of any individual hospital across the country. Based upon HSE figures for March 2018 that show Galway University Hospital is seeing over 73% outpatients within 52 weeks, further improvement is being pursued by the Hospital to achieve national targets for 2018.
The HSE is working with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and my Department 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 our patients. I hope to publish this Plan shortly. As part of this process the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the HSE are currently reviewing proposals from hospitals for outpatient initiatives, including in respect of Galway University Hospital.
53. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the State will provide the 13,000 extra residential care beds that the health service capacity review anticipates will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23504/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraResidential care is provided through a mix of public, private and voluntary provision. At present the Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support to approximately 23,000 people in long term nursing home care.
The Capacity Review noted that if key reforms and productivity measures are implemented, 13,000 extra residential care beds will be required by 2031 to meet the demands of our growing and ageing population.
Public residential care facilities are an essential part of our health infrastructure. There are approximately 5,000 long stay and 2,000 short stay public beds across the country. The Government is committed to investing in additional capacity and making tangible reforms to our model of healthcare delivery as outlined in the Capacity Review. Programmes to increase capacity are already underway including the on-going Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021 for Community Nursing Units. The National Development Plan provides for an extra 4,500 additional public short-term and long-term beds over the next 10 years.
Significant new programmes or projects included in the NDP, including residential beds, reflect the next stage of health sector development. Important policy scoping and planning assessment will need to be carried out, which will involve close co-operation between Hospital Groups, CHOs and local planning authorities where relevant, guided by the appropriate model of care developments.
54. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the walk-in x-ray facility is still operational at Roscommon University Hospital; if not, the reason for the withdrawal of the service; the x-ray facilities that are currently available at the hospital; the date on which the walk-in x-ray facility will be fully restored at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23146/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSaolta University Health Care Group has advised that an equipment failure in recent weeks has impacted the X-Ray Walk-In Service at Roscommon University Hospital. Normally, GPs refer patients with non-injury related conditions directly to this Walk-In Service. To facilitate partial continuation of the service, the hospital has leased mobile x-ray equipment on a temporary basis. While continuing to provide chest x-rays, the hospital has asked GPs, as an interim measure, to refer patients who require non-urgent x-rays, to other hospitals in the region. However, I have been advised that the Walk-In Service will be fully restored by the end of July.
Saolta University Health Care Group has confirmed that the operation of the Minor Injuries Unit is unaffected by the equipment failure and that patients who attend the clinic continue to receive x-rays as necessary.
The Deputy will be pleased to note that funding for the replacement of general x-ray equipment was allocated to Roscommon University Hospital in January 2018. This x-ray equipment is on order and work is currently underway on the infrastructure required to accommodate the new equipment. Saolta University Healthcare Group anticipates that the new x-ray equipment will be in place by the end of July 2018.
55. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to establish a redress scheme for the women and surviving families affected by the cervical cancer screening scandal; the role of the State Claims Agency in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am determined that the best result will be delivered for the affected women and their families. Therefore, it is essential to establish the facts and to agree the actions needed to address the issues raised by the Deputy. It is also important to restore the trust and confidence of women in CervicalCheck.
An independent Scoping Inquiry is being undertaken by Dr Gabriel Scally, President of the Epidemiology and Public Health section of the Royal Society of Medicine, and he is expected to issue his first report at the beginning of June, with his final report by the end of that month.
Separately, there will also be an International Clinical Expert Review panel led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This will be supported by expert input from the British Society of Colposcopists and Cervical Pathologists. This panel will review the results of screening tests of all women who have developed cervical cancer and who participated in CervicalCheck since its establishment. It will provide independent clinical assurance to women about the timing of their diagnosis and any issues relating to their treatment and outcome.
These two strands of investigation are crucial to firstly establish the facts, secondly determine what action is needed to address the issues, and thirdly help to restore trust and confidence of women in CervicalCheck.
Also, I intend to engage with the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minster for Finance on whether further improvements can be made to the legal framework governing the management of medical negligence cases.
The State Claims Agency, which comes under the aegis of the Department of Finance, has a statutory responsibility to manage clinical negligence claims under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme.
The Agency acknowledges that its work frequently involves the management of difficult, complex and traumatic cases taken by persons who have suffered injury, sometimes a catastrophic injury.
The Agency states that in managing these cases it is committed to placing a high priority on treating those who have made claims and their families with the dignity and the compassion they deserve. It recognises that it has a duty to manage each claim in a humane, sensitive, ethical and professional manner.
At this time and in advance of the compilation and consideration of the necessary facts and information it is considered premature to propose any future role for the Agency.
56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he continues to monitor the waiting lists throughout the health service with particular reference to specific procedures such as miscellaneous orthopaedic, cardiac, neurological or other procedures; if the utilisation of the treatment purchase scheme can be used to clear backlogs in the first instance thereby facilitating smoothness and efficiency throughout the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23464/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and in 2018 €50 million was allocated to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (or NTPF) to provide treatment for patients. The Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan 2018, which was published in April, outlines the combined approach of the HSE and the NTPF in 2018 to reducing the number of patients waiting for treatment.
The Action Plan has been developed to ensure an appropriate balance between high volume activities and offering treatment to complex long waiting patients, with 20,000 additional Inpatient and Daycase procedures to be funded by the NTPF in 2018. For all procedures, NTPF authorisations are made in respect of the longest waiting patients first.
Within this 20,000, for very long waiting patients, including those waiting for more complex procedures such as those referred to by the Deputy, the NTPF is engaging with the HSE and public hospitals to seek solutions and plans to fund the treatment of 1,200 patients in 2018 through this mechanism.
In addition, my Department has placed a particular priority on performance improvement in scheduled and unscheduled care in order to improve access for patients. At the end of 2017, a new Unit was established in my Department with a remit to work with the HSE and the NTPF and provide strategic direction and performance oversight in this area. Ongoing oversight of the performance of the HSE and the NTPF against targets set out in the plan is a key function of this Unit. The NTPF provides a weekly update to my Department on Inpatient, Day case and Outpatient waiting lists and regular review meetings are held with the HSE and the NTPF.
57. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the reason for the substantial increase in overcrowding in Mayo University Hospital emergency department over the first four months of 2018 relative to the same period in 2017. [23517/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of a difficult winter for our health services, exacerbated by the adverse weather associated with Storm Emma, the first four months of the year saw a higher overall level of trolleys nationally, up 13.9%, as compared with the same period last year. This increase reflects a rise in demand for unscheduled care, characterised by increased attendances and admissions, in particular, from those in the over 75 age group.
In relation to Mayo University Hospital, there was a sharp increase in trolley numbers of over 130% between January and April 2018, compared to the same period last year. I am advised by the HSE that the key drivers for this significant increase were:
- an 8% increase in overall ED attendances;
- a 15% rise in attendances of people over 75 years of age;
- a 13.7% rise in overall admissions, and;
- a rise of 15.1% in admissions of the over 75 age group, whose needs tend to be more complex leading to a longer length of stay.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to continuing the effort to address overcrowding in our EDs, and in particular, improving the capacity of the system to respond during periods of peak demand, such as winter. In this context, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019.
Moreover, the Government has approved a record level of capital investment in health at €10.9 billion over the next 10 years. This will provide for a major enhancement of the capacity of our health services to meet demand.
Finally, a review of the Winter Initiative 2017/2018 is being undertaken, which will inform a 3 year plan for unscheduled care, as well as supporting the provision of additional capacity in Winter 2018/19.
58. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding his commitment to examine a number of proposals to improve cardiac care in the south east, including the deployment of a modular laboratory that will allow for diagnostic angiograms and intervention procedures; the status of efforts by UHW management to recruit additional staff to extend the operation of the existing cath lab by 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23527/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing an independent review of the need for a second cath lab in University Hospital Waterford, the Herity report concluded that the needs of the effective catchment population for Waterford University Hospital could be accommodated within a single cath lab. Funding has been provided to support extension of the existing cath lab operating hours to 12 weekly sessions per week, or by 20%, as recommended in the Herity Report.
As the Deputy is aware, a mobile cath lab has been deployed since October 2017, initially for a period of 20 weeks but since extended twice (most recently on 23 April) to allow time for University Hospital Waterford to complete recruitment of the additional staff required for the service extension to the existing cath lab.
The HSE has advised that the posts required to facilitate the service extension to the existing cath lab were originally envisaged to be reduced Whole Time Equivalent posts, that is, all posts were 0.25 WTE, with the exception of the nursing post at 0.75 WTE. These posts have now been designated as full Whole Time Equivalents, approval and funding has been provided for these posts and recruitment is currently being progressed by the National Recruitment Service.
A modular cath lab has also been proposed, as an interim solution pending the outcome of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services, and my Department is currently examining this proposal at my request.
59. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for bringing the child and adolescent mental health services in CHO6 to the level envisaged in A Vision for Change. [23577/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to developing all aspects of mental health services, including the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) envisaged under A Vision for Change. This is being delivered by the HSE in the context of its agreed annual Service Plans. Significant progress has been made over recent years, underpinned by additional funding since 2012 to develop mental health services overall. Funding for mental health in 2018 amounts to €910m, including €35m approved in Budget 2018.
HSE CAMHS has standardised operational procedures which support timely access to services,.This is based on professional clinical assessment and prioritisation to address the mental health needs of all children presenting to this specialist service. Despite increasing demands overall on CAMHS, irrespective of the source of referrals, individual cases assessed as urgent receive priority.
There are currently 69 CAMHS teams and three Paediatric Liaison Teams, of which seven CAMHS teams are in place in CHO6 .
Staffing levels in the CAMHS teams vary in CHO6 but are below levels recommended in A Vision for Change. CAMHS teams in this area are at 57% of A Vision for Change recommendations. At present, there is a European shortage of appropriately trained Consultant Psychiatrists, and allied health professionals, for CAMHS. This, rather than funding availability at present, is the main difficulty facing the HSE, but steady progress has been made over recent years in filling the type of posts approved to modernise our mental health service. In the circumstances, it is not possible to give a timeframe for filling vacancies in line with A Vision for Change.
I, in conjunction with the Department of Health and the HSE, will continue to closely monitor the development of all aspects of CAMHS services nationally, including enhanced staffing levels for teams in each CHO area.
60. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to Irish Medical Organisation data which predicts that 41% of general practitioners in County Mayo will retire over the next five to seven years. [23542/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to Irish Medical Organisation data which predicts that 27% of general practitioners in County Dublin will retire over the next five to seven years. [23519/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to Irish Medical Organisation data which predicts that 30% of general practitioners in County Galway will retire over the next five to seven years. [23512/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to Irish Medical Organisation data which predicts that almost 50% of general practitioners in County Leitrim will retire over the next five to seven years. [23515/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra426. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to Irish Medical Organisation data which predicts that 42% of general practitioners in County Kilkenny will retire over the next five to seven years. [23547/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 67, 115, 123 and 426 together.
The Government is committed to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services, especially in remote rural areas and also in disadvantaged urban areas, and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future. I want to ensure that existing GP services are retained and that general practice remains an attractive career option for newly-qualified GPs.
I acknowledge the important role that GPs play in our health service and I recognise the commitment of GPs to ensuring a responsive, accessible and high-quality service to patients. The number of GPs on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,668 as of 18 May 2018 and there are now 2,491 GPs contracted by the HSE under the GMS scheme compared to 2,098 in 2008. It should be noted that as of 1st March there were only 23 GMS panels that do not have a permanent GP in place – a vacancy rate of less than 1%.
Over the past 6 years, an average of 143 GPs per year entered the GMS scheme compared with an average of 111 GPs per year exiting the scheme for the same period. During 2016 and 2017, an average of 158 GPs per year entered the GMS Scheme compared with an average of 132 GPs per year exiting the scheme for the same period.
The Government is aware of the manpower issues facing general practice and has taken steps to increase the number of GP training places. In 2009, there were 120 General Practice training places available and this year it is expected that over 190 training places will be filled, an increase of around 60% over a nine year period. We will continue to work to improve the recruitment and retention in general practice in the coming years. Our objective is to achieve further increases in the number of GP training places in future years, and to ensure that all the available places are filled, in order to meet the future manpower needs of general practice.
Other efforts undertaken in recent years to increase the number of practicing GPs include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday. An enhanced supports package for rural practices has also been introduced which includes improved qualifying criteria for rural support and an increase in the financial allowance from €16,216 to €20,000 per annum.
The Government is committed to engaging with GP representatives on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the current GMS contract which will benefit patients and also prove attractive to GPs. The aim is to develop a contract which has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion and disease prevention and for the structured ongoing care of chronic conditions. There is potential for Government expenditure on general practice to increase significantly in coming years if the consultations are successful. Officials from my Department and the HSE met with the Irish Medical Organisation earlier this month in order to progress this agenda. Consultations with the National Association of General Practitioners are also planned.
61. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of calls that have been made to the CervicalCheck helpline; the number that have been returned; the number that are awaiting a return call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23451/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs at 24 May 21,228 calls had been received by the CervicalCheck helpline, 11,341 women had requested callbacks and 10.382 women had received callbacks. The rate of call back has been steadily improving and as of 24 May stood at 92 per cent. There is a process of checking records, checking data quality and assigning the callback to a health professional, and the Serious Incident Management Team is working closely with the Hospital Groups to ensure that women receive call backs as quickly as possible.
Daily updates from the Serious Incident Management Team, which contain figures relating to the helpline, can be found at cervicalcheck.ie.
It is important to say that CervicalCheck, despite its failings in relation to disclosure, works. The cervical screening programme has reduced the risk of women developing cervical cancer and there was a significant downward trend in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer between 2010 and 2015. Also, cervical cancers are being diagnosed at an earlier stage and five-year survival rates have improved. However, the extensive coverage of this issue has resulted in women feeling a lack of trust and confidence in CervicalCheck or having concerns about quality and the possibility of a false negative result. Where a woman has concerns, she can also consult her GP and, if necessary, have a further smear test. CervicalCheck will reimburse the GP for the consultation and any smear test and no charge will arise for the patient.
62. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the funding cut to the Louth-Meath branch of an organisation (details supplied) for the running of the early intervention therapy programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23523/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Government and the HSE are committed to supporting children with special needs and recognises that first class early intervention services and services for school-aged children with disabilities are paramount.
Over the last number of years, the HSE has provided lottery grants to the Louth/Meath Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.
I am advised by the HSE that in 2015 the number of lottery grant applications increased significantly on 2014 applications (200%) and it was necessary to review the amount of lottery funding to organisations, in order to accommodate the higher number of applications received.
I am further advised, that initially in 2016 a number of organisations who applied for lottery funding were advised of reductions in the grants being approved. However, following a review of the overall funding allocation process the support was restored.
The local Disability Manager met with the Louth Meath Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland and agreed the funding allocation for 2016 and subsequently for 2017.
I am informed that the HSE has also committed to continue to fund DSI Louth Meath Branch for 2018, based on the previous year’s allocation in line with the criteria for allocation of the National Lottery Grants.
63. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the supports provided by the HSE to persons affected by diseases such as polio. [23521/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
64. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the referendum campaign on the eighth amendment. [18940/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans to make changes to abortion laws here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23524/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra423. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will report on his plans to implement the recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly. [22708/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 117 and 423 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, on Friday 25 May 2018 the people of Ireland voted overwhelmingly in favour of deleting
Article 40.3.3 in its entirety, and substituting an article in the Constitution, the object and effect of which is to articulate clearly the principle that laws may be enacted by the Oireachtas to provide for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.
As Minister for Health, I brought a Memorandum to Government today seeking the approval of Cabinet to draft legislation regulating termination of pregnancy. This legislation will be based on the General Scheme of a Bill to Regulate Termination of Pregnancy approved by Government on 27 March 2018 (SI 180/20/10/2243) and published on my Department’s website.
The provisions of the General Scheme are based on the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which was established to consider the report and recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly.
65. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the action which will be taken to expedite outpatient appointments for the 4,806 children who have been waiting for a consultation in Crumlin children’s hospital for more than 18 months. [23574/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving waiting times for hospital procedures and outpatient appointments is a key commitment in the programme for Government. It is acknowledged that outpatient waiting lists are a challenge which need to be addressed.
The development of a sustainable and safe paediatric orthopaedic service, including scoliosis services for children and young people has been prioritised in the 2018. An additional €9 million has been provided to the HSE in 2018 specifically to develop paediatric orthopaedic services, including increasing access to scoliosis services.
The HSE and Children’s Hospital Group developed a Paediatric Scoliosis Waiting List Action Plan for 2018 and this includes actions targeted at patients waiting longest for an outpatient appointment.
The HSE Service Plan 2018 sets out a target that 80% of patients waiting for a first outpatient appointment will be seen within a 52 week wait timeframe. HSE figures for March 2018 show that Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC) are seeing 61-63% outpatients within 52 weeks.
The HSE advise that in 2017, OLCHC had 68,531 outpatient attendances. It is worth noting that in the same year, more than 10,000 (14%) patients did not attend their hospital appointments.
The most recent NTPF figures for April 2018 show that there was a total of 18,886 patients on the outpatient waiting list for OLCHC. 74% of these patients are waiting 18 months or less.
A key component of the management of waiting lists by hospitals is the categorisation of patients by clinical priority to ensure that all patients receive care in timely and clinically appropriate matter.
The HSE is working with the NTPF and my Department 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 our patients. I hope to publish this Plan shortly. As part of this process the NTPF and the HSE are currently reviewing proposals from hospitals, including OLCHC for outpatient initiatives.
