Vol. 509 No. 6
335 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a waiting list of up to three years in the South-Eastern Health Board area for the provision of wheelchairs for elderly persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the steps, if any, he will take to alleviate this serious situation. [21226/99]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of health services, including equipment such as wheelchairs, in the Kilkenny area is a matter in the first instance for the South-Eastern Health Board.
The South-Eastern Health Board has indicated that all requests of this kind are referred to the occupational therapy department where they are dealt with according to the level of risk to the client and carer. Those deemed as very high risk are seen within four to six weeks. The board has indicated that, because of the difficulty in recruiting occupational therapists, it may take some time before those not deemed as high risk are assessed.
In relation to the case to which the Deputy refers, I am advised that a request for a wheelchair was received from the applicant's GP in July 1999 and the referral indicated that the applicant was mobile and did not require a wheelchair full time. In light of this, the applicant was not prioritised for assessment by the occupational therapist. However, if there is any change in the condition of the applicant, she should contact the South-Eastern Health Board directly.
