Calls to NTPF helpline climbs significantly
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) today announced enquiries to their Lo-Call line increased by 1,371 calls in the month of March.
In March 87% of hospitals throughout the country referring patients waiting less than 12 months for treatment to the Fund.
During this time 45% of hospitals (14 in all) referred patients waiting three to six months and 42% (13 in all) referred patients waiting six to 12 months.
The March figures show that the Fund treated 1,378 patients in the month in hospitals throughout Ireland, England and Northern Ireland. To date this year the Fund has treated 3,889 patients bringing the total number of patients treated since July 2002 to nearly 28,000.
Patrick O’Byrne, CEO, NTPF, said: “The increasing number of calls to our Lo-Call number shows that patients are more aware of their role in getting themselves off waiting lists and treated faster.
"We urge public patients still waiting longer than three months for a surgical operation, to contact our Lo-Call number (1890 720 820) to establish if they are eligible to be treated under the Fund. We have capacity available to treat more patients for a range of surgical operations, including hip and knee replacements.”
