Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 3

Written Answers - Orthodontic Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

228 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has to improve the level of facilities and staffing in the orthodontic unit within the Western Health Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2407/99]

Enda Kenny

Question:

229 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the position of orthodontists in the Western Health Board, the deployment of a consultant and a member of staff to work in the regional orthodontic unit at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, the consequential pressure on remaining staff to deal with their own patients as well as those of the consultant concerned, the fact that the orthodontic unit in the Western Health Board is to lose a full-time member of staff and the board has not been approved for a full-time replacement which will adversely affect waiting lists and all patients on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2408/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.

Orthodontic services in the health boards are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The dental health action plan provides for the development of a consultant led service by each health board. A consultant led service ensures a service of high quality and high service levels.

The provision of orthodontic services in the Western Health Board area and the maintenance of waiting lists are the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I understand from the board that the board's orthodontic waiting lists increased for a period during which time the board was without the services of a consultant orthodontist following the resignation of the previous consultant on her appointment to a post in the Eastern Health Board. The post of consultant orthodontist was filled by the board in July 1997. The board is satisfied that waiting lists are being tackled and the situation has improved.

The board has advised me that in respect of urgent or priority cases, no delay whatsoever is occasioned and treatment is provided immediately. In other cases which fall within the framework of the approved eligibility criteria for provision of service, the delay does not in any way impact on a successful clinical outcome to treatment.

At the suggestion of my Department, an orthodontic review group was set up by the health boards to prepare a report and make recommendations on the orthodontic services. The objective of this review is to ensure equity in the provision of orthodontic treatment throughout the health boards having regard to the additional resources provided to health boards over the past few years under the dental health action plan.

I understand that this group has recently made its report to the chief executive officers of the health boards and it is now under consideration by them.