Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

In accordance with the health strategy, the immediate focus has been on the reduction of waiting lists and waiting times for inpatient and day-case treatments in acute hospitals.

The national treatment purchase fund has been successful in arranging treatments for 23,379 patients to the end of 2004. The allocation to the fund for 2005 is €64 million, which represents an increase on the allocation of €44 million for 2004. The NTPF is expected to arrange treatment for a further 16,000 patients in 2005. It is now the case that, in most instances, any public patient waiting more than three months will be facilitated by the fund.

While our immediate focus has been on reducing waiting lists for admission to hospital for treatment, I am obviously very concerned about the long waiting times being reported in respect of obtaining outpatient appointments in certain specialties. There appear to be difficulties in particular areas and the problem also appears to be spread throughout the country. The management of outpatient waiting lists requires the attention of both the newly established Health Service Executive and the NTPF. At a recent meeting with the NTPF, I raised the question of the fund playing a part in expediting outpatient appointments. The NTPF is examining its position with a view to further assessing the needs of patients on waiting lists and the most appropriate clinical pathways and protocols required for their care. Details regarding this exercise are being finalised by the fund and I expect to receive them shortly.

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