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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 3

Written Answers. - County Cork Waiting List.

Paul Bradford

Question:

133 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made to expedite an orthopaedic appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who has been informed that an initial appointment may take two years; his views as to whether such a waiting period is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The scheduling of out-patient appointments is a clinical decision for the consultant concerned. Priority is given to urgent cases. If a patient's condition is causing concern, it would be a matter for his or her general practitioner to contact the consultant concerned with a view to obtaining an earlier date.

In relation to orthopaedic services in Cork, the Deputy will be interested to learn that approval was given to the Southern Health Board last year to provide for new clean air theatre facilities at St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher. A project team has been established and the planning process is under way. I am confident that this development will improve services for orthopaedic patients in Cork.
With regard to waiting lists generally, the Deputy may know that one of the health priorities of this Government is to tackle long waiting times.
In this context, £20 million will be provided in 1993 for a major action programme to reduce waiting lists where there are long waiting times for admission to hospital. Reducing the waiting times for admission will have a positive effect on out-patient waiting lists. My Department is at present in discussion with health agencies in this regard. I will shortly be announcing my decisions in relation to the allocation of the £20 million.
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