Governance gaps in NTPF raise wider concerns for private healthcare

A recent internal review from Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has revealed deep governance and operational flaws in the management of National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) clinics. Clinics funded by the NTPF reportedly failed to prioritise longest-waiting patients and bypassed internal referral options that could have eased waitlists. A consultant was found routing public patients into private weekend clinics, raising ethical concerns and questions of financial propriety.

More broadly, the report exposed systemic cultural and leadership issues, including high staff turnover due to bullying, a toxic work environment, and governance failures that jeopardised training quality and patient outcomes. The absence of redistribution strategies, poor oversight of access initiatives, and lack of accountability suggest a breakdown in prudent resource management.

While CHI acknowledged these challenges and outlined remedial actions, its decision to withhold the full report has drawn political and public criticism, highlighting the reputational risks when transparency is sacrificed for internal protection.

Read the full article for insights into the risks and reforms reshaping NTPF-funded care.