Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for bringing those to my attention. I will have my officials examine them with the HSE. In light of more home care packages, surge capacity beds and the activation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, for the Waterford area with dedicated funding to try to drive down waiting lists, though, we should see improvements.

I have been informed by the hospital that there have been significant increases in respect of ophthalmology, gastroenterology and general surgery. As to ophthalmology, we have seen an increase in the age profile, including the frail elderly, who require additional levels of care. The hospital is working with the HSE and the NTPF to source additional capacity for those waiting the longest. The hospital has only one gastroenterologist and is awaiting the appointment of a second consultant in early 2017, which will assist in the management of the endoscopy waiting list. The Deputy will be glad to know that this post is funded and has been submitted to the consultant application advisory committee for approval. University Hospital Waterford, UHW, is working with the NTPF to refer patients to private facilities in an effort to reduce waiting times and the number waiting.

The general surgery waiting list is affected by available theatre and bed capacity due to an overall increase in emergency referrals. The hospital is working with the hospitals group to determine where to find other elective capacity within the group.

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