Vol. 478 No. 7
28 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the current waiting period for children between an abnormality being discovered in an ECG and the child being seen by a cardiologist; the proposals, if any, he has to reduce this waiting period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[12137/97]
Limerick East): Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, is the national referral centre for paediatric heart disease. I have been informed by the hospital that if, on examination at an outpatient clinic, it is felt that a patient requires an ECG, the patient will undergo the test immediately. That same day the patient will return to the cardiologist who then reviews the results of the ECG. As the ECG and consultation take place on the same day, there is no waiting period in the interim.
With regard to patients who have been referred to the outpatient clinic by their GP, I am aware that the current waiting time for an appointment is approximately one year. I am informed by the hospital that if a GP is concerned about the urgency of any particular case he or she has direct recourse to the cardiologist who will advise accordingly with regard to the timing of the child's appointment.
I am concerned about the waiting time for this outpatient service. In recent days this issue has been discussed at a meeting between officials of my Department and representatives of the hospital. My Department has asked the hospital to put forward proposals to address the current waiting times. When received, these proposals will be examined with a view to alleviating the current waiting times for patients in the most effective manner and having regard to current available resources.
