Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

271 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting period for public patients on ophthalmology, ENT and gynaecology waiting lists at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10667/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of services is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The average waiting period for routine inpatient appointments in the specialties referred to by the Deputy is outlined below:

Specialty	Average waiting time
Ophthalmology	7 months
ENT	10 months
Gynaecology	6 months

I understand from the board that all urgent and emergency cases will be admitted to hospital through a process of discussion between the patient's general practitioner and the hospital consultant.