Written answers

Wednesday, 17 January 2018

Department of Health

Hospital Waiting Lists

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

130. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the long waiting times faced by transgender persons to access public endocrinology services here; the steps he will take to address these waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2300/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The NTPF publishes the Inpatient and Outpatient waiting list figures by specialty and hospital each month. This information is available on NTPF.ie. The most recent figures published by the NTPF for December 2017 indicates that there is a total of 41 people on the Inpatient/Daycase waiting list for Endocrinology and a total of 9,043 people on the Outpatient waiting list for Endocrinology. The Deputy may wish to note that this data is extracted from the overall waiting list figures which does not differentiate transgender patients from other patients on the waiting list.

Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2018 allocated €55 million for the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles their 2017 total allocation which was €20m.

The HSE and NTPF are working together to develop coherent and synergistic Waiting List Action Plans in 2018 with the objective of arranging the provision of treatment for patients across a range of inpatient/daycase and outpatient specialties and procedures. These initiatives will continue to focus on long-waiting patients and overall waiting list numbers.

The existing care pathway in Ireland generally begins with an approach by an individual to their GP. The GP may refer the person to the local Community Mental Health Team for support and a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria by psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist.A thorough assessment is a pre-requisite to commencing hormone suppressants in Ireland, in line with international best practice. This is to ensure that the correct path is being taken for the individual and to ensure co-morbid issues are identified and addressed.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.