Vol. 403 No. 8
168 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the waiting lists for consultants' appointments in hospitals at the present time; and if he will outline the steps he proposes to take in order to reduce the unacceptably long waiting periods at the present time.
Waiting times for out-patient appointments in most specialties are not excessive. However, I recognise that we have a number of problem areas and I am particularly concerned about them.
Earlier this year I announced an action plan for the health services which included an initiative to examine the operation of the Dublin hospital services, headed by Professor David Kennedy. I understand that this group are now examining out-patient services and I expect to receive their report on this, and a number of other issues, in the new year.
I also announced as part of this plan an initiative on the quality of patient care. Health boards and voluntary hospitals have submitted details of the present organisation of our-patient clinics to my Department, together with information on constraints and recommendations for improvements. I want to see an effective appointment system established in all major hospitals to reduce delays in out-patient departments. My Department are examining the hospitals' submissions and will be meeting the health agencies in the near future to develop a programme of improvements in hospital out-patient departments.
I am satisfied that these initiatives will be effective in helping to reduce waiting times for appointments.
