Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Jan 1995

Vol. 448 No. 2

Written Answers. - Western Health Board Services.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

59 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to upgrade the ophthalmic treatment service of the Western Health Board in view of the extensive waiting list; and if he will give extra resources in 1995 to eliminate the waiting lists. [1741/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I should state that the provision of optical services for eligible persons in the Western Health Board area is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board.

The Western Health Board currently has a system in operation which gives priority to applicants with special needs such as persons with certain medical conditions, and every effort is made to ensure that urgent cases are processed without delay. There is no waiting list for children requiring glasses.

My Department is aware of the Western Health Board's concern regarding the sight testing scheme at present. My Department will discuss the matter further with the Western Health Board with a view to ensuring that all persons who need optical services receive them within a reasonable time.

In relation to the possibility of upgrading acute hospital ophthalmology services in the Western Health Board, the Deputy may be aware that the board received additional funding of £950,000 under the waiting list initiative 1994 with which it was contracted to perform a range of additional procedures, including 450 ophthalmic procedures. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Western Health Board has exceeded its target in the speciality of ophthalmology, and the performance of this additional workload should help to reduce the waiting list and time for hospital ophthalmic patients. I am aware that hospital ophthalmic services are a Western Health Board priority for improvement, and I will be considering this matter should special waiting list funds become available in 1995.