Deirdre Clune
Question:160 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons awaiting cataract operations in the Southern Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4738/00]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
Deirdre Clune
Question:161 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for a person requiring a cataract operation in the Southern Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4739/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
The latest statistics available to my Department show that there are 295 people awaiting cataract surgery in the Southern Health Board region.
Following the review of the waiting list initiative in 1998, a strategy was developed to manage the waiting list issue in a co-ordinated and integrated manner. This strategy is showing success, as evidenced by a reduction of 9% in the numbers on waiting lists in the first three quarters of 1999. Figures for the end of December 1999 are currently being collated by health agencies and are due for submission to my Department this week.
As part of the strategy for managing the waiting list issue, service providers have been asked to begin submitting data on waiting times in each of the target specialities, including ophthalmology. This process was undertaken for the first time during 1999 and the methodology is being developed further in order to ensure that useful and meaningful data on average waiting times can be produced.
Deirdre Clune
Question:162 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be provided with a cataract procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4740/00]
The provision of hospital services in Cork is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Southern Health Board. I have, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to look into this matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.