Towards the end of 1989 I allocated additional resources to tackle the waiting lists for ENT procedures. I am glad to say that significant progress has been made in reducing the overall ENT waiting list for admission to Temple Street. The waiting list has decreased from 1,228 in November 1989 to 439 in March 1991, the last date for which figures are readily available, a decrease of 64 per cent. Almost all of the cases on the current waiting list are for tonsillectomy. The waiting period for tonsillectomy has been halved during the last year.
One thousand five hundred and seventy six ENT cases were treated in 1990 as compared to 1,172 treated in 1989 — an increase of 34 per cent.
My Department and Temple Street Hospital have been discussing the hospital's priorities for 1991 and the tonsillectomy service will continue to be regarded as a priority in the allocation of resources within the hospital.