MINISTER URGES DOCTORS TO REFER PATIENTS


13th February, 2003: Mr Ivor Callely, TD, Minister of State, Department of Health and Children today attended the National Treatment Purchase Fund’s (NTPF) information evening for the North Area Health Board in Clontarf Castle. The Minister called on attending general practitioners and healthcare personnel to encourage as many patients as possible to take up their entitlement to treatment. Under the NTPF almost 3,000 patients have so far been treated and almost 1,500 of these have been referred from the Dublin area.

The majority of the patients referred from the Dublin area have received treatment for Varicose Veins, ENT procedures, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology and Orthopaedic operations. Treating hospitals include: Mater Private; Blackrock Clinic; Bons Secours, Glasnevin; St Vincent’s Private; Clane General Hospital; St Francis Hospital; Aut Even Hospital; BUPA Hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester and the BMI Hospital in Heathrow.

Speaking at the information evening the Minister said, “The NTPF has made significant progress in reducing the long term waiting lists. I strongly urge those who think they are eligible for treatment to contact the NTPF. This is a free service and there is no need for patients to wait any longer. Many doctors and health boards have referred patients and I hope this continues. The process is simple and straightforward and all adults who are waiting over a year for a surgical procedure, or who have children waiting over six months for treatment should contact their doctor or health board or phone the LoCall 1890 720 820 number”.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund which will receive €31 million in 2003 has the capacity to treat 600 patients a month in 2003, 400 in hospitals in Ireland and 200 in four UK hospitals, two BUPA hospitals located in Liverpool and Manchester and two BMI hospitals located in Basingstoke and close to Heathrow.

“A lot has been done to reduce the long-term waiting lists. The response from those treated under the Fund has been very positive especially from those who have availed of treatment in the UK. Patients who have travelled have been impressed by how simple and straightforward the process is and they would encourage other long waiters to avail of this entitlement. 200 beds are available in the UK each month. Let’s use this capacity,” said Maureen Lynott, Director, National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Ends

Note to Editors
The National Treatment Purchase Fund is focused on treating the 6,805 adults and 1,500 children who at March, 2002 had been waiting over a year for surgical treatment. The fund organises for their treatment to take place in a private hospital here, in the North or the UK. Treatment is entirely free and all necessary travelling costs will be met by the Fund.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund is one of the initiatives outlined in the Health Strategy and Programme for Government.