Dr. Colm Henry:

I turn first to the issue of obesity. In 2023 we saw 45 new appointments, which resulted in the removal of 500 people from outpatients and 207 surgeries. That is all part of our new specifically funded obesity pathway. This follows a model and pathway of care that has been developed to address exactly the kinds of problems the Deputy identifies, such as people waiting for outpatient appointments and then people waiting for bariatric surgery. We have specifically funded posts that will drive through improved performance and waiting times for both outpatients review and surgery for people who require assessment for obesity.

It is timely and appropriate to raise the issue of ophthalmology because it is a Sláintecare-friendly model of care that we have developed. We have gone from a consultant-focused model of care where people are funnelled through lengthy waiting lists to see people in hospitals, to a community-delivered model which is now being implemented and has resulted in the eradication of paediatric waiting lists in CHO 2, CHO 4 and CHO 7. It has also resulted in the slashing of waiting lists for people waiting to be seen for cataract surgery to seven months, and a three month wait for surgery. We have shifted what was a hospital-based model of care for ophthalmology out into the community, to centres like Ballincollig, County Cork, where people are being seen for paediatric eye problems, assessment for cataracts and macular problems. They do not need to go to hospital. Those who are filtered through that who need surgery are then seen through funded theatres in the Eye and Ear Hospital or in Cork, and then followed up in the community. It is a Sláintecare model and we want to see that replicated for other disciplines. We can remove people from waiting lists who do not need to be seen by hospital-based consultants but, rather, can be seen closer to home in the community more quickly and appropriately.