Vol. 482 No. 8
173 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients in each hospital in the State currently awaiting heart surgery; the numbers awaiting this surgery for six months or less, between six to 12 months, one and two years, two to three years and over three years. [19671/97]
I have had inquiries made of the relevant agencies regarding the cardiac surgery waiting list and I have been advised there are currently 1,608 patients — adults and children — awaiting cardiac surgery as on the following list. I have recently approved a sum of £1.7 million under the 1997 waiting list initiative specifically for cardiac surgery patients. I am confident that this will impact positively on the cardiac surgery waiting list.
The provision of additional cardiac surgery facilities is a matter of national importance and one which will require significant capital and revenue investment over the next few years. The question of the provision of cardiac care services overall is under review at the moment. However, I hope to be in a position to bring my proposals to Government in this regard in the very near future. An announcement will then be made on the location of additional cardiac care services.
Number of Patients (Adults and Children) currently on the National Cardiac Surgery Waiting List.
(Information furnished to the Department of Health by the relevant agencies on 18-11-97.)
|
Waiting Period |
0 to 6 Months |
6 to 12 Months |
1 to 2 Years |
2 to 3 Years |
Over 3 Years |
Total |
|
Total |
337 |
200 |
320 |
162 |
589 |
1,608 |
