Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Occupational Therapy Services.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

231 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties faced by persons awaiting the services of an occupational therapist in the Eastern Health Board area where patients on the priority two waiting list face a wait of 18 months; if he will provide additional resources to allow the waiting list to be reduced to an acceptable level; and if he will ask the Eastern Health Board to expedite the provision of an occupational therapist for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who urgently needs the installation of a lift in his home. [20136/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Dublin area is a matter for the Eastern Health Board. I have had inquiries made of the board and I have been informed that it is aware of the extended waiting times for those on the priority two waiting list for occupational therapy. In an attempt to reduce waiting times, the board has established a small group to work with occupational therapists and other professionals in the community to draw up a protocol in relation to a variety of needs presenting as category two. It is envisaged that this initiative will enable the board to provide a more proactive response to those needs. The board is also endeavouring to eliminate delays due to dual assessment, particularly in relation to the supply of appliances, by establishing closer links between occupational therapists in the community and their counterparts in hospitals.

The board has assured me that the person referred to in the Deputy's question will be visited by an occupational therapist immediately.