Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Feb 2000

Vol. 513 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Seán Haughey

Question:

202 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) at St. James's Hospital has been suspended and that patients are having their appointments cancelled at the rate of 30 a day; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that patients forced to seek private services as a result have difficulty in getting their charts; if he will intervene to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2452/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in the Eastern Health Board area is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board. The consultant orthodontist in the orthodontic unit at St. James's Hospital was suspended from duty by the health board. At the request of the board my predecessor in office recently terminated the suspension. The Eastern Health Board is now in the process of arranging for her to return to work as quickly as possible.

I understand from the board that there is no difficulty in releasing patients' charts and inquir ies on this matter should be addressed directly to the board.