Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
115. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing cancellation of outpatient appointments for oncology services in Galway University Hospital; the explanation that has been offered by the Health Service Executive for these cancellations; the steps he will take to cease this practice in view of the vulnerability of the patients in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30395/16]
View answerMy Department is aware that a number of outpatient oncology appointments have had to be rescheduled at University Hospital Galway. The HSE has advised that this is due to a high volume of patients listed for attendance at the Oncology/Haemotology day ward. The patients involved have been provided with rescheduled dates and every effort is being made to see all patients in a timely fashion.
Waiting list data published by the National Treatment Purchase Fund in September shows that 83% of all patients on the outpatient waiting lists for University Hospital Galway are waiting less than 12 months for their appointment and nearly 90% are waiting less than 15 months.
Also, the Budget for 2017 makes provision for the treatment of longest-waiting patients. A total of €20m is being allocated to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, rising to €55m in 2018. Planning of this initiative across all hospitals by the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department and the HSE is at an advanced stage.
