Jimmy Deenihan
Question:9 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if he will appoint a full-time ear, none and throat surgeon in Tralee General Hospital as recommended by Comhairle na Ospidéal.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tralee (Kerry) ENT Services.
The question of the appointment of a full-time ear, nose and throat surgeon in Tralee General Hospital is a matter in the first instance for the Southern Health Board. I understand that the Comhairle na Ospidéal report on ENT services in the Southern Health Board area which has made recommendations in regard to services at Tralee is at present being considered by the standing committee of the Southern Health Board and that it is expected to come before a full meeting of the board in the near future.
Is the Minister aware that there are 474 patients waiting to be screened for ear, nose and throat surgery at Tralee General Hospital? Is he aware that 83 children who have been screened are waiting for surgery, some of them chronic cases? Is the Minister aware that in some cases parents have been forced to go privately and pay for the operations themselves, at considerable expense and hardship? Finally, is the Minister aware that in excess of 31 Kerry adults are waiting for nasal and sinal surgery in the South Infirmary in Cork and the likelihood is that they will have to wait for a very long period, which is totally inexplicable?
I am aware that there is a waiting list in Tralee and also that the hospital did not have the facility of an ear, nose and throat surgeon until last year when the Southern Health Board provided that facility. I understand that surgeon operated on 97 patients in 1990. As regards the appointment of an ear, nose and throat surgeon for Tralee, that matter is at present before the Southern Health Board.
I would like to——
A brief question. The Deputy has asked a series of questions. A final question, please.
I would like to point out to the Minister that this is a matter of extreme urgency. Will he make further representations to the Southern Health Board to ensure that a proper service is provided at Tralee Regional Hospital?
Certainly, I will discuss the matter with them.
Will the Minister provide the necessary funding?