Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

129 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will arrange an urgent review of the orthodontic service, particularly in the Eastern Regional Health Authority, where differences about the organisation of treatment, industrial relations problems and loss of staff has resulted in hundreds of patients having their treatment interrupted, while thousands wait over four years to even start treatment; and if he has had any contact with the Eastern Regional Health Authority to help identify solutions to these deep-seated problems. [18849/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic services to eligible persons in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area is the statutory responsibility of that health authority.

Difficulties were encountered in the latter part of 1999 and early 2000 in the regional orthodontic unit at St. James's Hospital which caused the cancellation of routine orthodontic appointments. I understand from the authority that an action plan is now being implemented to address the needs of all patients affected by these difficulties.

Health board orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. This year I am providing an additional £0.3 million to the Eastern Regional Health Authority on an ongoing basis to further the development of its orthodontic services.

Developments currently under way in relation to the orthodontic services in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area include: the recruitment of two additional consultant orthodontists, the development of a new regional orthodontic unit at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, and the development of a new regional orthodontic unit at Beaumont Hospital.

The Eastern Regional Health Authority also proposes to recruit an additional number of dentists with orthodontic qualifications and to improve the management of the service.

At my request, the Eastern Regional Health Authority has submitted proposals to me as to how waiting lists and waiting times for orthodontic treatment might be reduced. I have had a recent meeting with officers of the authority on their proposals. In the course of this meeting I made clear my concern at the waiting lists and my desire to see an early and sustainable improvement in the service. I am having the authority's proposals examined further in my Department and I hope to be able to respond shortly to the authority.