Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1165. To ask the Minister for Health the status of persons (details supplied) waiting to see a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25089/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A key challenge for our health system is ensuring timely access to health services. While waiting list numbers have increased nationally, this must be seen in the context of increased demand for care in our health system. There has been a 4% increase in inpatient and day-case activity in acute hospitals and an almost 6% increase in attendances at EDs in comparison with last year. The key issue for patients is how long they wait. Approximately 60% of patients wait less than six months for a required outpatient appointment or inpatient/day-case procedures. I note that 98% of patients have been waiting less than six months for inpatient/day-case procedures at University Hospital Kerry.

The HSE has developed an action plan aimed at reducing the number of patients on waiting lists to be implemented in the latter half of 2016. Key actions include clinical validation of patients waiting for an in-patient or day-case procedure for over 15 months, focusing on providing procedures for the 5% of patients on inpatient and day-case waiting lists for over 18 months and driving process improvement at Hospital Group and individual hospital level. This work will be supported by the Special Delivery Unit of the HSE.

The Programme for a Partnership Government (PfPG) emphasises the need for sustained commitment to improving waiting times for patients, with a particular focus on those patients waiting longest. It commits €50 million in 2017 for waiting list initiatives, with at least €15 million of this allocated specifically to the NTPF. The Department of Health is working closely with the HSE and the NTPF to develop specific initiatives focused on reducing waiting lists in 2017 in accordance with the PfPG's commitments.

Under the Health Act 2004, the HSE is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to the specific service issue raised concerning University Hospital Kerry.