Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients seeking treatment for heart condition, hip replacement, cataract removal, kidney or lung treatment; the number in each category one year ago; the number treated within the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17186/99]

As the Deputy will be aware waiting lists are collected by health board, hospital and specialty. The specialties mentioned by the Deputy are set out in the following table and are the figures as at the 31 March 1999.

Specialty

1998

1999

Cardiology

1,246

1,111

Cardiac Surgery

1,276

1,187

Orthopaedics (hip replacement)

1,477

1,317

Ophthalmology (cataract removal)

2,241

2,826

Respiratory

116

137

Nephrology

56

58

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the total national number of people awaiting treatment fell during the first quarter of this year. I have undertaken important initiatives in regard to the waiting list initiative since coming into office. These include an allocation of £20 million to agencies for the treatment of patients on waiting lists; the provision of £9 million to services for older people; the provision of £2 million to selected accident and emergency services; the issuing of a new policy circular and guidelines to all relevant agencies regarding the way in which the waiting list should be operated. I am confident that these initiatives will continue to have a significant positive impact on waiting lists for the remainder of the year, and more importantly that waiting times for public patients will be reduced.
Top
Share