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.
Validation Letter
I have received a letter asking me if I still require an appointment in the hospital
Administrative validation is a task carried out on a regular basis to ensure that waiting list data is kept accurate and up-to-date.
Patients are contacted, asking if they still require access to hospital care. Patients can respond to a validation letter online or by post using the free post return envelope provided.
If responding online, a patient can log on to the validation portal
If a response is not received, within 14 days, the patient is subsequently issued with a reminder SMS or letter. Where a patient fails to respond to the reminder SMS or letter they may be removed from the waiting list. In this instance, a written notification of the waiting list removal will be sent to the patient and their GP.
The NTPF’s validation team delivers public waiting list validation, nationally, for outpatients, inpatients and day case procedures. The validation team works with hospital scheduled care teams to agree a validation plan that suits the needs of their hospital, service and demographic. These plans are agreed annually, encompassing the desired frequency and appropriate patient cohorts for inclusion.
The following table describes the steps involved in the validation process:
| Step 1 | Patient receives a validation letter |
| Step 2 | Two weeks to respond |
| Step 3 | Respond by freepost envelope or online (QR Code) |
| Step 4 | Reminder SMS or letter sent (only if no patient response is received) |
| Step 5 | Last opportunity to respond (Two further weeks to reply) |
| Step 6 | No patient response (Patient may be removed from waiting list) |
The validation support team is available during business hours (9am – 5pm) Monday to Friday, to support any queries you may have in relation to validation and can be contacted via email at validationsupport@ntpf.ie. Please note, this email is intended for hospital queries only. Patient and Public queries can be raised through ask@ntpf.ie
For more information on Administrative Validation, please navigate to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)