The NTPF arranges treatments for patients, provides independently assured waiting list information, develops systems and processes which contribute to health system reform, negotiates prices for nursing home care, and provides expert advice to the Minister for Health.
NTPF to review governance structures with public hospitals
Insourcing at CHI reinstated following assurances
NTPF has alerted ‘potential financial irregularities’ at another public hospital
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) confirms that following a meeting of its Board it is to recommence insourcing work, effective immediately, with CHI after a review of the assurances given by CHI in relation to its ongoing compliance with existing NTPF protocols and procedures.
Notwithstanding this decision, the Board and Executive of the NTPF remain deeply concerned that there was a breach of its processes by another public body. The NTPF will now increase governance and oversight across its insourcing work with public hospitals, who up to now have been responsible for this internal governance. The NTPF has notified the Department of Health and HSE of this decision.
“Insourcing work through the NTPF has delivered benefits to thousands of patients in recent years and has a demonstrable impact on waiting times and waiting list numbers. However, it is vital there is public trust and confidence around insourcing with public hospitals. It must be remembered that these public hospitals already have clear and established lines of reporting and accountability within the public system and clear obligations to comply with the terms of the signed Memorandum of Understanding in respect of NTPF-funded work”, said NTPF Chief Executive Fiona Brady.
“We will now work urgently with the Department of Health and HSE on any additional measures that may be needed to ensure that necessary controls of NTPF funded initiatives are in place in the public hospitals”, she added.
The NTPF has written to all public hospitals with whom it funds insourcing work to obtain further confirmation that all work is carried out in line with the NTPF’s processes and procedures in this regard. A strict deadline of next Monday, June 16th has been given for the completion of these replies and the NTPF will report on this to the Department and the HSE.
Separately, the NTPF confirms it has also alerted the Department of Health and HSE about potential financial irregularities in relation to NTPF-funded insourcing work at another public hospital. The NTPF has suspended all insourcing work with that hospital since 11th April.
The NTPF immediately informed the Department and HSE of these concerns and is working with them in relation to the investigation. The matter has been referred to the HSE’s Internal Audit team. The NTPF is restricted from making further comment at this stage.
“The Board and Executive of the NTPF take their responsibilities very seriously and will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure our spend with public hospitals is fully protected for the benefit of public patients. Any proven misuse of public money by public institutions will be treated with the gravity it deserves”, added Fiona Brady.”
Released Thurs 11th June – 14:00