asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times at present for the various categories of medical and surgical treatment; and the regional differences that exist in waiting times.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Treatment Waiting Times.
15.
This information is not available. Generally, waiting times for hospital treatment are not unduly long but, in cases where difficulties arise, special efforts are made to improve the position. Patients requiring urgent treatment are, of course, admitted to hospital without delay. If the Deputy is aware of a specific problem of undue waiting time I should be glad to look into it.
May I ask why the information sought in this and the previous question is not available? It would appear to be fundamental information for health planning or any extension of services.
I agree with the Deputy but information of this kind was never available in the Department.
I understand the health boards are aware of the various delays for treatment or waiting periods for treatment in the various areas. Could the Department not obtain the information from the health boards?
The machinery being employed now is that of the medico-social research council and we trust with the co-operation of the hospitals and consultants that this information will become available.
The point I am making is that the information would appear to be available at local level. Could the Department not collect it and publish it as a national figure?
Is the Minister aware that some people have to wait 12 or 18 months for dentures and spectacles?
I agree that in respect of dentures and the other appliances to which the Deputy refers there is unduly long delay. I want to assure Deputy O'Malley that so far as the information is concerned I would regard it as very important information but without the co-operation of the hospitals, which are sometimes not inclined to co-operate, or have not got these records available, it would be very difficult to get the entire picture. This board are endeavouring to do that.
Is the Minister aware that there is six months' delay in the South Eastern Health Board in the case of denture service?
Unfortunately there has never been a proper dental service in Wexford or in most other counties for a long number of years.
What is the Minister doing about it?
I shall not give the cliché reply.