Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 5

Written Answers. - Operation Delays.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

260 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that operations for elderly persons such as those for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be carried out without further delay, and if he will confirm that the person concerned will shortly be admitted for the operation.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I understand from the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital that the person in question is on the routine waiting list for a cataract operation.

The hospital has informed that she will be called for admission within the next six months. However, I would suggest that if the person feels that her condition has deteriorated, she should contact her general practitioner who would be in the best position to take the matter up with her consultant directly. I should point out that there is a regular assessment of those on the waiting list by the consultants involved who take into account the patient's condition and other circumstances in determining their place on the waiting list. Should a consultant feel that a patient's condition has deteriorated while on the waiting list and require immediate attention, they will receive the appropriate treatment as a matter of urgency.