The initiative is government funded and is part of the National Health Strategy and Programme for Government
Q
Will I have to pay for any part of my treatment under the NTPF?
A
All treatment under the NTPF is free.
Q
If I take up the offer of treatment under the NTPF will my medical card rights be affected?
A
No, medical card entitlements will not be affected.
Q
Will my GP know that I have gone ahead for this treatment?
A
If your GP is not directly involved in the referral process then he or she will be notified when your treatment has been completed and you have been discharged from hospital. Notification will be sent to your GP by the treating hospital in the form of a discharge summary.
Q
Who should I call if I have any questions regarding my treatment?
A
You should speak with the NTPF liaison officer in your local hospital. He/she will have made themselves known to you when you accepted your treatment. You can also call the NTPF on Lo-Call 1890 720 820.
Q
Will the hospital where I am being treated have my records?
A
Yes. When you accept the offer of treatment under this initiative your medical records will be sent to the hospital where your treatment will take place.
Q
How soon after I accept the offer of treatment under the Fund will I receive treatment?
A
Once you have accepted the offer of treatment it is anticipated that you will be admitted to hospital within a number of weeks. However, with certain complex cases treatment times may take longer.
Q
Are the surgeons/consultants participating in this scheme fully qualified?
A
All consultants participating in the NTPF are registered with the Medical Council and also have extra training & qualifications in their specialty area. All of the hospitals participating in the NTPF initiative have been carefully assessed by the NTPF to ensure that they meet strict quality standards.
Q
What exactly will the NTPF liaison officer do?
A
Each of the hospitals participating in this scheme has a designated liaison officer(s). These liaison officers will work together to ensure that your treatment goes as smoothly as possible and to see that you have the information you need at all times. Your initial contact will be with the liaison officer in your hospital. He or she will explain how the Fund operates and answer any questions you may have. They will also ensure that all of your records and clinical details are referred from your consultant to the consultant who will treat you.
Once your details are received by the treating hospital the NTPF liaison officer in that hospital will contact you and explain any preparations that you need to make prior to your operation.
Q
Will I have the same doctor as I have now?
A
There are a number of ways in which the NTPF patients receive treatment. You may be treated by:
- Another doctor in a private hospital
- In a very small number of cases you may receive treatment within a public hospital in Ireland or with your original consultant.
Q
What if I need medication?
A
You will be given a supply of any medication that is prescribed for you while you are in hospital. Any further supplies or prescriptions can be obtained in the normal way from your GP.
Q
What if I experience a problem after my operation?
A
If you experience any medical problems after you are discharged, as a small number of people do after any operation or treatment, you can:
- Contact the hospital/consultant where you had your treatment.
- Contact your GP who will refer you back to the consultant who treated you if he/she feels this is necessary.
- Contact the NTPF if you are unsure about what to do.
- Go to your local accident and emergency department if the problem is urgent.
