Frances Fitzgerald
Question:65 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health whether he has satisfied himself that waiting lists for VHI patients have been adequately shortened; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Hospital Waiting Lists.
All persons are entitled to opt for public hospital treatment as a public patient or as a private patient. In addition to this, patients may also attend private hospitals for treatment.
The number of private patients on waiting lists in public hospitals as at June, 1993 was 1,630. In the period to December, 1993 this figure has been reduced by 43 per cent to 922. It is not possible to say how many of these patients were members of the VHI.