Ireland boosts throughput in key long-wait procedures
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Ireland has approved a programme of pilot projects to increase throughput in surgical procedures that are subject to long waits. Euro2.5m ($3.2m) has been allocated to provide urgent access to a consultant in each of the 14 key specialties covered by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). Where necessary, the NTPF, with a 2005 budget of Euro64m (up from Euro44m last year), will then fund the procedure. The NTPF sources this work primarily from Irish hospitals; where necessary, it will also use the private sector in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.