asked the Minister for Health what steps are being taken to provide more accommodation at the Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, for persons requiring eye operations.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Eye and Ear Hospital.
27.
Since 1966, 29 additional beds were provided at this hospital and it is expected that a further 18 beds will be provided in the first half of 1971.
The waiting list for eye operations at this hospital has been substantially reduced in recent years and continues to show a steady reduction.
Can the Minister say what is the present waiting list for eye operations?
It changes from day to day. In a recent survey the number of reservations in the hospital were: provincial bookings 119 — they were 194 a year ago — and Dublin bookings 99— they were 161 a year ago.
Is the Minister aware that there is a waiting list of up to six months for very important eye operations and that this is a matter which requires urgent attention?
There are other ophthalmological bed units being got ready. There are 16 bed units in Sligo and a new 14 bed unit in the new St. Vincent's Hospital and that should relieve the position in the Royal Eye and Ear Hospital.