Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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115. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing cancellation of outpatient appointments for oncology services in Galway University Hospital; the explanation that has been offered by the Health Service Executive for these cancellations; the steps he will take to cease this practice in view of the vulnerability of the patients in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30395/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware that a number of outpatient oncology appointments have had to be rescheduled at University Hospital Galway. The HSE has advised that this is due to a high volume of patients listed for attendance at the Oncology/Haemotology day ward. The patients involved have been provided with rescheduled dates and every effort is being made to see all patients in a timely fashion.

Waiting list data published by the National Treatment Purchase Fund in September shows that 83% of all patients on the outpatient waiting lists for University Hospital Galway are waiting less than 12 months for their appointment and nearly 90% are waiting less than 15 months.

Also, the Budget for 2017 makes provision for the treatment of longest-waiting patients. A total of €20m is being allocated to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, rising to €55m in 2018. Planning of this initiative across all hospitals by the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department and the HSE is at an advanced stage.