John Perry
Question:13 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the waiting list for non-emergency x-rays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12953/99]
Other Questions. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
John Perry
Question:41 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to reduce the waiting time for non-emergency x-rays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12952/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 41 together.
My Department does not routinely collect information on waiting times for non-emergency x-rays. The delivery of radiology services is a matter for local hospital management in the context of the overall delivery of services within available resources. As with all services, priority in the delivery of radiology services is given to emergency cases. Non-emergency cases would be dealt with as quickly as possible taking account of clinical need as identified by the referring practitioner. As a result of varying demands in services arising from emergency work and the varying caseload presenting, waiting times for non-emergency radiology work would vary considerably between individual hospitals and cases.
The Deputy will be aware that I am attaching major priority to addressing waiting times generally. A comprehensive review of the problem of waiting lists and waiting times has been undertaken by a review group established by me and work is under way on giving effect to the wide-ranging recommendations that emerged from that review. A key issue being addressed by each agency arising from the Department's circular is the improved management of outpatient departments and improved organisation and management processes in acute hospitals, designed to reduce both waiting lists and waiting times, including radiological procedures.
Does the Minister agree it is unacceptable that a person must wait up to three and a half months for an x-ray in St. James's Hospital? If the person goes to Tallaght Hospital, he or she must wait two and a half months for an x-ray. If he or she goes to Beaumont Hospital, he or she must wait between one and a half and two months. If a person goes to the North-Western Health Board, the South Infirmary in Cork or the Eastern Health Board, he or she must wait on average one month for a basic x-ray. Does the Minister agree this is unacceptable?
Whether it is acceptable depends on the clinical needs of the patient. There is not a demand led scheme with regard to non-emergency x-rays. The referring practitioner indicates to the radiologist concerned the urgency of the case, and all emergency cases or cases which require to be taken immediately for medical reasons are taken.
Is the Minister aware of the distress and anxiety caused to many patients by the delays? In many instances it is not possible to decide whether a case is an emergency until an x-ray is taken. Is the Minister aware of what is happening in health board areas? For example, is he happy with the situation in the South-Eastern Health Board area? A new x-ray room was provided last Christmas in St. Joseph's Hospital in Clonmel with up to date equipment and modern technology. However, there are no staff to operate it. The equipment is lying idle while patients are waiting in the corridors to use an inefficient x-ray service. Is the Minister satisfied with that type of management by health boards or is he aware of it?
I am aware of it in relation to the South-Eastern Health Board. I am also aware of the enormous progress that has been made in Cashel and Clonmel in improving services in the hospitals there since this Government took office. I am aware of the improvements for the people of those areas following the successful representations of the Minister of State, Deputy Davern.
Decisions were not taken for 20 years. It took the Fine Gael Party to make a decision. Fianna Fáil spent no money.
I appreciate it is difficult for the Deputy to hear about the improvements.
The former Minister, Deputy Noonan, provided £13.5 million.
This Government has done more for the development of hospital services in Tipperary than its ten predecessors.
The X-ray room is lying idle.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.