Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Specialist Waiting List.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

114 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health his views on the fact that children are being requested to wait four months before being attended to by a cardiologist, when an ECG has discovered an abnormality; his views on whether the parents of such children should be left waiting for such a long period of time and that it is unfair that children are confined to non-strenuous activities until their condition is diagnosed, particularly through the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14353/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): At present there is a facility for general practitioners to refer patients directly to the hospital for ECGs, the results of which are usually returned within 24 hours.

Based on the results, a general practitioner may decide that a referral to a cardiologist is advisable. The waiting times to attend cardiologists can vary. However, should a general practitioner feel that a patient requires immediate attention, he or she may contact the consultant directly and arrange for the patient to receive the appropriate treatment as a matter of urgency.