Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting List.

Declan Bree

Question:

49 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who was informed in writing by the North Western Health Board on 10 December 1994 that her name had been placed on the Sligo General Hospital waiting list for an orthopaedic outpatient appointment but has not yet been called for an appointment at the outpatient orthopaedic clinic; whether this level of service is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14000/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): In all cases the priority accorded to individual patients is a matter for the clinical judgment of the consultant concerned and is based solely on the patient's condition and not on the length of time on the waiting list. Emergency cases are always given priority. The patient referred to by the Deputy was seen at out-patients on 9 December 1994 and subsequently placed on a waiting list for treatment.

The consultant concerned has since reviewed this case on a number of occasions to ensure it is accorded the appropriate priority. Should the patient concerned consider that her condition has deteriorated she should contact her general practitioner who would be in the best position to discuss her case with the consultant concerned.

Michael Ring

Question:

50 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a hip operation as he has been waiting for over two years and is in severe pain. [14010/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The patient concerned was placed on the in-patient waiting list for Merlin Park Hospital late last year. The hospital authorities expect to admit him for surgery within the next two to three months.

As the Deputy is aware, the scheduling of hospital admissions is a matter for the consultant concerned and each case is assessed to determine medical priority. Should the patient feel concerned that his condition has deteriorated, he should return to his general practitioner who is in the best position to emphasise the urgency of his case directly to the consultant.