State considers extending NTPF

THE Government is considering extending the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to cover patients who are still waiting to get an appointment with a consultant.

NTPF chief executive Patrick O'Byrne said the South Infirmary in Cork was likely to be one of 10 pilot sites to be located across the country. He said negotiations were underway in relation to the remaining sites.

Speaking after the NTPF's first board meeting in Cork yesterday, Mr O'Byrne said the pilot sites would be used to assess the experience of outpatients with a view to providing a better service.