Limerick East): The Deputy will be aware that the scheduling of admissions is a clinical decision for the consultant concerned. I have had inquiries made of the hospital authorities and I understand that the patient in question was assessed by the consultant urologist at his outpatient clinic and was not considered a priority case. However, if the general practitioner feels that her condition has deteriorated, the hospital authorities have confirmed that an early review can be arranged with the consultant concerned.
In relation to waiting times for urology services generally, my Department has made substantial funding available under the waiting list initiative to Cork University Hospital over the past four years to tackle waiting lists for urology procedures. I am satisfied that this additional funding has made a significant impact on average waiting times for urology day cases.
Furthermore, the need for additional anaesthetic cover in the urology department has been addressed following the recent approval by my Department of an additional consultant anaesthetist post to Cork University Hospital. This should help to reduce the waiting times for in-patient urology procedures.
