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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Nora Owen

Question:

53 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if he has published details of all hospital waiting lists in the country as he promised earlier this year.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

80 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement outlining the action he is taking to reduce hospital waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 80 together.

My Department is at present collating and processing the details of the latest returns made by hospitals and I will make them available as soon as possible.

The total number of patients awaiting treatment as at 31 December 1991 was 36,421. This figure must however be viewed in the context of the total throughput of patients in 1991 of 660,500.

In this country, most patients who are placed on a waiting list are admitted without undue delay. There are, however, a small number of specialities where problems do exist. Specific action has been taken this year in order to ensure that service deficiencies are addressed. These developments include:
—Improved Orthopaedic Services at the Regional Orthopaedic Hospital, Croom; St. Mary's Hospital, Cappagh; the Midland, North Western and Southern Health Board areas.
—Improved ear, nose and throat (ENT) services in the North-Western, Midland, Western, Southern and the North-Eastern Health Board areas.
—An additional £120,000 allocated to the Mater Hospital for an increase in cardiac surgery this year and a second post of cardiac surgeon approved for the Cork Regional Hospital.
I am also at present considering proposals in relation to waiting list management with an aim to further reducing waiting times in these specialities.
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