asked the Minister if his attention has been drawn to the four year waiting period for ear, nose and throat operations for Kerry patients; and if he has any plans to provide this service in Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry.
Written Answers. - ENT Waiting Lists in Kerry.
45.
The transfer of ear, nose and throat services to the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital resulted in the waiting lists for ENT surgery and outpatients building up both before and after the transfer of the service. Because of my concern regarding this matter I requested officers of my Department to keep the situation under review in association with the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital.
In addition to a new purpose built theatre and recovery room, sanction was given for the purchase of equipment to update and improve ENT services for patients from Cork and Kerry. The new ENT service was further improved by the employment of three senior house officers and a second consultant in ENT was appointed on a temporary basis to the hospital from the end of November last. The effects of this appointment are becoming apparent and the waiting time for patients from Kerry will be reduced on the appointment of a second permanent consultant.
The provision of ENT services is organised on a regional basis and the first priority is to fully develop this service in its present location. The position with regard to the services to be provided at Tralee will be kept under review.