The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in the Eastern Health Board area is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board.
The Eastern Health Board has been experiencing difficulties in the provision of orthodontic services in their regional orthodontic unit at St. James's Hospital over the past few months. I understand from the board that these difficulties were caused by the consultant orthodontist's unilateral decision to withdraw from the provision of orthodontic assessments, orthodontic opinions and the commencement of orthodontic appliance therapy for new patients. The position was exacerbated by the withdrawal of consultant cover and the consultant orthodontist's refusal to provide guidance to dental clinicians regarding orthodontic procedures. The consultant orthodontist's actions led to her suspension from duty without pay with effect from 4 November 1999.
At the request of the Eastern Health Board, my predecessor in office recently terminated the suspension of the consultant orthodontist in question. I understand from the board that the consultant orthodontist recently resumed duty. The board will endeavour to ensure that patients will be seen from the waiting list as soon as possible.