Patients on lists can be treated in UK

More than 8,000 patients on public hospital waiting lists are now eligible for treatment in the UK under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).

The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, has urged adults on waiting lists for more than one year to contact their doctor or health board to check their eligibility for the fund. Children waiting more than six months are also eligible.

Speaking at the launch of the NTPF patient information booklet, the Minister said 6,805 adults and 1,500 children would be entitled to treatment under the initial phase of the fund. The first patients would shortly receive treatment in the UK.

Patients waiting long-term for hernia, hip, cataract and tonsil operations will be entitled to the fund and, once referred by their consultant, should receive treatment within weeks.