NTPF patients return in worse health

EIGHT patients of one Dublin hospital sent to Britain for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) returned in worse health.

One teenage girl, who was referred for treatment of a deviated septum (the wall dividing the two sides of the nose), returned with exacerbated sinus problems and nasal breathing difficulties. Two other patients, sent to Britain for major ear surgery, are now faced with permanent deafness after being sent home too soon.

Dr Tony Healy, a consultant anaesthetist at Dublin’s Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, said at least eight patients taken off waiting lists and sent abroad for treatment were now worse.