A random survey of patients treated under the National Treatment Purchase Fund during its first year has found patients extremely satisfied with the treatment provided.
Some 75 per cent of a sample of 409 patients treated in March and April this year rated their overall experience of the fund as excellent, while 16 per cent rated it very good and 5 per cent rated it good. Only 4 per cent said the service was poor.
Some 93 per cent indicated they would recommend treatment under the fund to others.
A number of those treated had spent up to eight years on waiting lists, but once referred for treatment under the fund 76 per cent were treated within two months.
Patients of all ages were treated. The majority, some 35 per cent were in the 41 to 60 age group but 5 per cent of patients were over 80 years. These would include patients who had been waiting years for cataract operations.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund buys treatment in private hospitals for adults who have spent more than 12 months, and children who have spent more than six months on public waiting lists.
The fund was set up by the Government in an attempt to remove "long waiters" from hospital waiting lists.
Most of the patients surveyed were treated at private hospitals in the Republic, with a small number also treated in Derry and in Britain.
Most underwent general surgery, such as hernia operations or ear, nose and throat procedures such as having tonsils out or grommets inserted. Smaller numbers underwent eye procedures, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, plastic surgery and orthopaedic surgery.
However, some 8 per cent of patients said they did not receive clear instructions on follow-up care when they were discharged from the private hospital where they were treated ,and 27 per cent said they did not receive a discharge summary.
Patients can check if they are eligible for treatment under the fund by contacting its lo-call number on 1890 720 820.