Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled to date in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20260/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I am conscious that the cancellation of a hospital procedure can be inconvenient and stressful for both patients and their families. Every effort is made to avoid cancellations where possible.

Unfortunately cancellations are a feature of hospital systems, in Ireland and internationally because priority must be given to emergency cases and patients in urgent need. It is important to point out that all cancelled procedures are rescheduled. While data is not comprehensive the level of cancellations in the Irish public system appears to be broadly in line with other hospital systems internationally. In 2009, for example, it is estimated that cancellations accounted for about 1.4% of all in-patient and day case activity.

It should be noted not all cancellations are as a result of hospital capacity or availability. Cancellations also occur for clinical reasons, where a patient may not be deemed fit for surgery on a given day by the clinician. For example, the pre-admission assessment might indicate postponing a procedure for clinical reasons such as weight, immune system or blood pressure.

While it is unfortunate that any patient would have a procedure cancelled, patients waiting over three months can be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The HSE works with the NTPF to ensure that, where appropriate, patients can avail of treatment under this scheme.

In 2010, the HSE is focusing on improving the efficiency of acute hospital services by shifting to day case care where appropriate and by seeking performance improvements such as surgery on the day of admission and reducing inappropriate lengths of stay. There will be a particular focus on reducing the variance between different hospitals for similar procedures. By reducing costs and reforming the way services are provided, I am confident the HSE will maintain access to services and continue to improve health outcomes for the population.