Cataract procedures waiting lists
Deputy Healy-Rae highlighted long waits for cataract procedures at Cork University Hospital and asked whether the Sligo model could be used there. The Minister pointed to increased health funding and said the National Treatment Purchase Fund approach would be reintroduced.
People are waiting for up to two years for cataract procedures at Cork University Hospital. Can the Minister for Health operate the Sligo model in Cork University Hospital because the people of Kerry are disenfranchised and have to wait much too long? They will be blind for Christmas and for the next two years if these procedures are not rolled out.
Comment on this
It is for the hospitals to develop models and to draw on examples of successful practice. The Minister is providing €900 million extra in the health service funding. Under the confidence-and-supply agreement with Fianna Fáil, the National Treatment Purchase Fund approach will be reintroduced. This will allow patients who are waiting considerable periods to get access to treatment on a private basis.