Waiting List Validation

The Minister for Health commissioned the NTPF to set up a unit with responsibility for validating all outpatient and inpatient/day case waiting lists across the country. During 2019 all patients who have been waiting longer than 6 months will be contacted to check that they still need or want a clinic appointment or to proceed with their planned treatment.

Process

1. Patient receives a letter asking them if they wish to remain on the outpatient or inpatient/day case waiting list.
2. If patient confirms yes then no further action is taken.
3. If patient confirms no:
   • they are removed from the waiting list;
   • a letter is sent to the patient and the patients GP explaining that they have been removed at their request.

   If a patient is listed for a procedure that is for example related to a high risk condition then we will either contact the patient, the Consultant or both.

4. If patient does not respond:
   • A second letter is sent out to the patient

   If patient still does not respond after their reminder:

   • they are removed from the waiting list;
   • a letter is sent to the patients and patients GP explaining that they have been removed from the waiting list.

   If circumstances prevent the patient from responding at the correct time they can request (or their GP can request) that they are reinstated onto the waiting list. This should done within 4 weeks of receiving the removal letter.

For further information on the on the validation process please check out the following video: