SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
The Republic of Ireland Reimbursement Scheme (RoIRS) closed to new applications in September 2022 when an additional £5m funding had been exhausted. Further financial allocation could not be provided in the absence of an Executive.
Said the Foyle MLA: “People are contacting my office in their dozens, desperately seeking access to knee and hip surgeries.
“These patients, many of whom have already waited an agonising number of years for treatment, are being advised to seek private healthcare with one of my constituents told they could be waiting up to eight years for surgery.
“Understandably this has had a significant impact on his mental well-being. Sadly, this story is not an isolated one.
“These painful timeframes are proving devastating for patients. People are living in agony, their lives turned upside down with some not managing the stairs to go to bed at night.
“That’s the reality of the ever-growing statistic behind orthopaedic surgery waiting lists. In the interim, the number of patients languishing on waiting lists for knee and hip replacements continues to grow.
“The Cross Border Healthcare Directive subsequently named the Republic of Ireland Reimbursement Scheme, provided people with a glimmer of hope- an alternative to an eight year wait for surgery.
“In 2022, 2,000 patients benefitted from the scheme allowing them to source treatment in the South and circumvent the massive waits for treatment here, particularly in relation to hip and knee replacements.
“This provision is by no means a perfect one but it has been a vital interim solution which patients and the health system has become reliant on.
“I hope it will be reinstated soon to help tackle massive waiting times.
“The SDLP will also work to explore further opportunities for cross border healthcare beyond elective care via the Shared Island Initiative and look at ways to further enhance cross border cooperation.”
Tags: