Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 May 1991

Vol. 409 No. 2

Written Answers. - Heart Operations Delays.

Tony Gregory

Question:

75 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health when a blind and handicapped persons (details supplied) in County Sligo who is on the urgent waiting list for more than six months for a heart by-pass operations in the Mater Hospital, Dublin, will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Seán Ryan

Question:

76 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the history of a persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who is on the waiting list for a by-pass operation at the Mater Hospital, Dublin for nearly 12 months; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result of this delay, the person has been notified by his employer that is involuntary retirement on grounds of ill-health will be confirmed on 30 June 1991; and when this person will have his long overdue operation.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.

The scheduling of surgery is a matter for the clinical judgment of the consultant concerned. I have made inquiries from the Mater Hospital who have informed me that both persons in question have been put on the "non-urgent" waiting list for cardiac by-pass surgery. However, if they feel that they need more immediate attention, they should contact their general practitioner who would be in the best position to highlight the case to the consultant concerned.

I have provided special funds for the provision of ten additional cardiac beds at the Mater Hospital. These beds came into operation on 2 April 1991 and should reduce the waiting period for cardiac surgery.