Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Based on its detailed interaction with individual hospitals the NTPF has identified a group of 19,591 patients who are reported to be waiting more than three months for specific procedures, mainly surgical, and the NTPF will target this group during 2004. There are 4,040 patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment included in the 19,591, who represent 20% of all those waiting. A certain percentage of the identified group of patients is expected to be removed through further validation. This is done by going to the patient and asking them if they want an operation, as that organisation can provide it. That is how those figures are assessed by the NTPF. It is a different methodology and a different approach.

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