Urgent: Hospitals Misuse €200 Million Fund, Pay Consultants Improperly

UPDATE: Two hospitals in Ireland are under fire for misusing taxpayer funds aimed at reducing waiting lists. Naas General Hospital and University Hospital Kerry reportedly paid consultants “on the double” from an allocation of €200 million intended to expedite patient treatment, according to a shocking report from Extra.ie.

The misuse of funds was self-reported during a review by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in May, where both hospitals admitted to improperly using money to pay consultants on a “fee-per-patient basis.” The funds should have been utilized to support nursing and administrative staff for special out-of-hours clinics that would reduce waiting times, especially for patients waiting three to six months for treatment.

The revelation has raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability in the healthcare system. Aidan Farrelly, a Social Democrat TD representing the Kildare North constituency, expressed his outrage, stating, “I’m shocked, because the chief executive told us in direct questioning at the Public Accounts Committee that this was not what was happening.”

The findings were included in a briefing to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, obtained through Freedom of Information requests. However, the final report, released shortly after the briefing, did not address the “fee-per-patient” arrangement, raising questions about the NTPF’s commitment to transparency.

DEVELOPING: An internal audit at Naas General Hospital has already been initiated following these disclosures, and inspections at University Hospital Kerry are underway. Both hospitals have suspended insourcing arrangements pending the outcome of the audit.

The NTPF is tasked with managing an annual budget exceeding €200 million to alleviate waiting times in public hospitals. Funds can be allocated for treatment when patients have been on waiting lists for extended periods. However, the current situation has led to criticism that the system is incentivizing hospitals to misuse taxpayer money rather than prioritizing patient care.

The NTPF’s chief, Fiona Brady, testified earlier this month that she did not believe the fund created “perverse financial incentives” for doctors, a claim that has been challenged by several TDs during recent Public Accounts Committee meetings. Albert Dolan, a Fianna Fáil TD, expressed disappointment that these crucial details were not disclosed, stating, “I find it very disheartening that this was not addressed at PAC.”

The NTPF is not seeking to reclaim the improperly allocated funds, raising further concerns about accountability. The matter is expected to be a focal point at the next PAC meeting, where the ongoing scandal could lead to broader discussions on healthcare funding and management.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for patient care and the integrity of the healthcare system remain a pressing concern for citizens. The urgency of this issue highlights the need for reform and a commitment to transparency, as hospitals must prioritize patient welfare over financial incentives.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story continues to unfold.