Vol. 424 No. 1
84 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Cork waited for eight months for a public appointment as an ear, nose and throat patient at the South Infirmary, County Cork; and the steps he will take to expedite this waiting period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand from inquiries made with the South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital authorities that the patient is expected to be called for surgery in about two months' time.
The Deputy will be pleased to learn that services for ENT patients generally in the Southern Health Board area have improved significantly over the last number of years. This year the hospital's revenue allocation includes provision for a sum of £0.150 million in respect of the development of the ENT service. A temporary full time consultant, in an approved post, took up duty in January 1992. In addition my Department approved four additional nursing posts and a senior audiometrician post for the hospital's ENT service this year. I am confident that this development will lead to further improvements for ENT patients generally in the region.
