276 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the current waiting time for applicants who require orthodontic treatment in each of the eight regional health authorities; the number of persons on the waiting lists in each of these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26716/00]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons and the maintenance of waiting lists for treatment is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards.
The following, which is the most recent information available to me, indicates the position with regard to waiting lists and waiting times for orthodontic treatment at the end of the September quarter, 2000:
Health Board |
Waiting Time For Assessment |
Waiting TimeFor Treatment |
AssessmentWaiting List |
Treatment WaitingList |
Eastern Regional Health Authority |
5.25 years |
1-1.5 years |
10,283 |
847 |
Midland Health Board |
3 months |
1.5 years |
35 |
174 |
Mid-Western Health Board |
2 – 2.5 years |
2-3 years |
2,711 |
1,488 |
North-Eastern Health Board |
n/a |
2 – 2.5 years |
n/a |
867 |
North-Western Health Board |
4 months |
2.6 – 3 years |
80 |
2,107 |
South-Eastern Health Board |
10 weeks |
16 months |
238 |
567 |
Southern Health Board |
patients born in 1986 are currently being given appointments for assessment. |
3.5-4 years |
5,000 (app) |
4,364 |
Western Health Board |
6 months |
4 years |
446 |
2,179 |