New plan to reduce hospital wait lists

All patients waiting more than nine months for “high volume” operations or procedures are to be offered treatment by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).

Treatment for around 50 procedures, including cataracts, hip and knee replacements, tonsils, varicose veins, and scopes will be provided.

The focus on the longest waiters is part of a new action plan published yesterday by Health Minister Simon Harris to reduce waiting lists.