‘Potential financial irregularities’ at another public hospital – NTPF

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has stated it is “deeply concerned” at potential financial irregularities in a public hospital.

The revelation comes in a statement confirming that it is to recommence insourcing work, effective immediately, with Children’s Health Ireland (CHI).

The decision was made after a review of the assurances given by CHI in relation to its ongoing compliance with existing NTPF protocols and procedures.

“Notwithstanding this decision, the Board and Executive of the NTPF remain deeply concerned that there was a breach of its processes by another public body,” according to the statement.

The NTPF says it will increase governance and oversight across its insourcing work with public hospitals, “who up to now have been responsible for this internal governance”.  The NTPF has notified the Department of Health and HSE of this decision.

“Insourcing work through the NTPF has delivered benefits to thousands of patients in recent years and has a demonstrable impact on waiting times and waiting list numbers.  However, it is vital there is public trust and confidence around insourcing with public hospitals.  It must be remembered that these public hospitals already have clear and established lines of reporting and accountability within the public system and clear obligations to comply with the terms of the signed memorandum of understanding in respect of NTPF-funded work”, said NTPF Chief Executive Ms Fiona Brady.

“We will now work urgently with the Department of Health and HSE on any additional measures that may be needed to ensure that necessary controls of NTPF-funded initiatives are in place in the public hospitals”, she added.

The NTPF has written to all public hospitals with whom it funds insourcing work to obtain further confirmation that all work is carried out in line with the NTPF’s processes and procedures in this regard. 

A deadline of next Monday 16 June has been given for the completion of these replies and the NTPF will report on this to the Department and the HSE.

Separately, the NTPF confirmed it has also alerted the Department of Health and HSE about potential financial irregularities in relation to NTPF-funded insourcing work at another public hospital.  The NTPF has suspended all insourcing work with that hospital since 11 April.  

The NTPF said it immediately informed the Department and HSE of these concerns and is working with them in relation to the ongoing review.  The matter has been referred to the HSE’s internal audit team.  The NTPF is restricted from making further comment at this stage.

“The board and executive of the NTPF take their responsibilities very seriously and will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure our spend with public hospitals is fully protected for the benefit of public patients.  Any proven misuse of public money by public institutions will be treated with the gravity it deserves”, added Ms Brady.