Michael Creed
Question:330 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding a review of the guidelines governing eligibility for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9624/99]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Services.
Michael Creed
Question:331 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the centres in each health board area where orthodontic treatment is available; and the waiting list for assessment and treatment at each of these centres. [9625/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together.
The dental health action plan provides for the development by each health board of a consultant-led orthodontic service. A consultant-led ser vice ensures a service of high quality and high service levels.
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 a report to the chief executive officers of the health boards and this report is currently the subject of discussion and correspondence between the chief executive officers of the health boards and my Department.
The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons under the Health Acts is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. Waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are maintained by the health boards. I have had inquiries made of the health boards and the information received from the health boards is set out in tabular form below.
|
Health Board |
Centre |
Assessment Waiting List |
Treatment Waiting Lisrt |
|
Eastern Health Board |
Regional Orthodontic Dept. St. James Hospital Satellite clinics in Crumlin, Kilbarrack, Ballyfermot, Dublin and Ballinteer Health Centres |
Cat. I: NILCat. II: NILCat. I: NilCat. II: 6,418 |
|
|
Midland Health Board |
Laois/Offaly: Tullamore and Portlaoise |
No waiting list for assessment |
Tullamore: 177Portlaoise: 295 |
|
Longford/Westmeath: Longford, Mullingar and Athlone |
Not maintained by Board |
Longford: 100Mullingar: 48Athlone: 100 |
|
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
Limerick: St. Camillus' Hospital and BruffTipperary (N.R.):Nenagh, Roxtown and ThurlesClare: Ennis, Shannon and Kilrush |
Total: 956 |
|
|
North-Eastern Health Board |
Dundalk, Drogheda Navan, Cavan and Monaghan |
No waiting list for assessment |
Dundalk/Drogheda 899Navan: 571Cavan/Monaghan 533 |
|
South-Eastern Health Board |
Waterford Regional Hospital |
634 |
534 |
|
Southern Health Board |
St. Finbarrs Hospital, CorkSatellite clinics:Mallow, Bantry, Tralee |
4,433 (assessment and treatment) |
|
|
Western Health Board |
Regional Orthodontic Dept. Merlin Park Regional Hospital |
3,838 (assessment and treatment) |
Information on the orthodontic services in the North Western Health Board and further information in Mid-Western Health Board will be forwarded to the Deputy when it becomes available.