Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
464. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to be called for bilateral knee replacement; if he has been placed on the NTPF waiting list for surgery in a private facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23919/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an Inpatient/Day case or Outpatient waiting list. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for treatment the clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
