Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2018
124. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for cataract surgery in County Limerick; the challenges adding to the waiting time; the solutions being put forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25814/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government.
The recently launched Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan outlines the combined impact of HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) activity in 2018. The Action Plan places a particular focus on cataract surgery and includes a commitment that the NTPF will provide 5,000 cataract procedures to patients. In addition, the NTPF commits to offer treatment to all clinically suitable patients waiting more than 9 months for a cataract procedure. Under the IPDC Action Plan 2018 sustainable solutions for Cataract treatment in the public hospitals will also be delivered in 2018 with the planned opening of a Cataract theatre in Nenagh Hospital in July.
In relation to the waiting times for cataract surgery in County Limerick, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
