Vol. 488 No. 2
123 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Health and Children the resources, if any, he will make available to the ear, nose and throat department at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, to provide more surgical beds and operating theatre time and thus reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5836/98]
Over the past couple of years my Department has made additional funding available to the hospital under the waiting list initiative for the provision of ENT services. In addition, a number of recent measures have been taken by my Department and the hospital which are aimed at reducing ENT waiting lists.
First, my Department recently approved the provision of a new 20 bed day ward for the hospital and it is envisaged that this will increase the number of day beds in the hospital and also free up space for more surgical beds.
Second, my Department approved the appointment of a consultant anaesthetist for the hospital which should facilitate an increase in theatre times for ENT procedures. In line with this, I understand that the hospital has under consideration proposals to make additional theatre time available during 1998 within the context of its 1998 service plan.
I am confident that these combined initiatives will impact positively on the average waiting times for ENT procedures.
