Lo-Call 1890 720 820     The initiative is Government Funded and is part of the National Health ...
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Q
 How do I refer patients?
A
 GPs or consultants can contact the NTPF on Lo-Call 1890 720 820 with a patient's details to check whether they qualify.  If they do, the NTPF will contact the patient directly.  You will be kept up to date on progress.
Q
 Where does my involvement begin and end?
A
 Once you have referred your patient to the NTPF and they have agreed to treatment, you will be asked to send their medical records in confidence to the hospital where treatment is to be given.  In most cases patients will be discharged to the care of their GP.
Q
 Will I be informed if one of my patients is referred by a consultant or arranges referral themselves?
A
 If you are not directly involved in the referral process, you will be notified when your patient has been discharged. The treating hospital will send you a discharge summary.
Q
 Who qualifies for treatment?
A

The NTPF was set up initially to deal with adults who are waiting a year or longer for an operation and children who are waiting six months or more for an operation. However, in some areas this target has been met and waiting times have been reduced for adults and children to three months. In short the NTPF aims to treat those who are waiting longest.

Examples of treatments covered under the NTPF include:

  • Cataracts
  • Varicose veins
  • Hernias
  • Gall bladders
  • Prostate
  • Tonsils
  • Plastic surgery
  • Cardiac surgery
  • Hip and knee operations
Q
 How quickly will they be treated?
A
 Once patients have accepted the offer of treatment it is anticipated that they will be admitted to hospital within a number of weeks. However, certain specialties can take a little longer to facilitate where capacity is not widely available. However, we endeavour to accommodate each patient without undue delay.
Q
 Where will they be treated?
A
 The NTPF arranges for patients to be treated, primarily in private hospitals in Ireland. The exact hospital will depend on the treatment required, quality & value for money.
Q
 If my patient has a problem after surgery what should I do?
A
 If patients experience problems related to their surgery & require other than routine care they can be referred to the consultant with whom they were treated. This is normally arranged via the NTPF Lo-call line 1890 720 820. 
Q
 What happens if I choose not to refer my patients?
A
 It will not affect their status on the waiting list, however we would encourage all GPs and consultants refer patients for treatment under the fund. 
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