Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jan 1999

Vol. 499 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dental Services.

Ivan Yates

Question:

625 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that hospital related dental treatments of patients in County Wexford have been cancelled due to lack of day beds in Wexford General Hospital and that no progress has been made on some of these urgent cases which have been referred by the health board dental service to Wexford General Hospital; and if he will ensure that this is remedied in order that these treatments, especially involving extractions under general anaesthetic, can be carried out as soon as possible. [2105/99}

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of dental treatment to eligible persons in the Wexford area is the statutory responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board. I have had inquiries made of the South-Eastern Health Board. I understand that because of demands on day beds in Wexford General Hospital over the past few weeks it was necessary to use the day ward for other purposes and as a consequence the unit was not available for day procedures. The situation in the hospital has improved over the last week and as a consequence day cases, including dental cases, are now being treated again in the hospital.