Waiting List Improvements
We are transforming the patient experience through strategic reforms and innovative approaches to scheduled care. Our commitment is to ensure timely and efficient healthcare services for all patients awaiting treatment.
Patient Initiated Review (PIR)
Empowering patients to self-manage their outpatient journey.
Patient Initiated Review (PIR) is a ground-breaking approach where patients are empowered to self-manage their own outpatient journey. Suitable candidates for PIR can proactively schedule follow-up outpatient appointments as needed, such as during symptom flare-ups. This patient-centred initiative not only enhances the overall healthcare experience but also optimises appointment availability, allowing us to extend care to more patients on outpatient waiting lists.
The 2024 Waiting List Action Plan has mandated that PIR is rolled out in all hospitals across all specialties, where clinically appropriate to do so.
Learn more about PIR here:
Introduction to PIR by Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer (youtube.com)
Testimonials from clinical and operational teams about PIR (youtube.com)
Patient Initiated Review National Guidance Document (PDF, size 1.9 MB, 29 pages)
PIR Inclusion and Exclusion criteria (PDF, size 533 KB, 40 pages)
Patient Initiated Review FAQ (PDF, size 218 KB, 5 pages)
Central Referrals Office (CRO)
Streamlining care with CRO
The Central Referrals Office (CRO) is a key component in our mission to streamline patient care. By centralising all referrals, including those from GPs, consultants, and specialist clinics, the CRO ensures that each patient's needs are assessed, prioritised, and addressed promptly.
Centralisation of referral receipt, which is the first step in the CRO process, has been mandated in all hospitals for all specialities as part of the 2024 Waiting List Action Plan.
Learn more about Central Referrals and CRO here:
Central Referrals National Guidance Document (PDF, size 3.1 MB, 50 pages)
Central Referrals Office National Guidance Document (PDF, size 4 MB, 78 pages)
DNA Strategy
Improving attendance with the DNA Strategy
The DNA Strategy ensures that patients receive communication in relation to their appointment at the most appropriate intervals, highlighting the importance of attending an appointment. By providing clear and accessible options for appointment cancellation, we can reallocate time slots to other patients, which minimises wait times and maximises clinic efficiency.
DNA National Guidance Document (PDF, size 420 KB, 8 pages)
Contact Details
For more information please email access.acuteoperations@hse.ie