Vol. 537 No. 2
237 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who are on the North Eastern Health Board waiting list for orthodontic treatment on a category basis; the number who are on a waiting list for assessment; his views on the fact that many low income families in the Border region have to use cheaper services in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15811/01]
The provision of orthodontic services is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. I am informed by the chief executive officer of the North Eastern Health Board that at 31 March 2001, there were 813 persons awaiting orthodontic treatment, one category A and 812 category B. There is no assessment waiting list in the NEHB.
I recognise that the waiting times for orthodontic treatment are unacceptably long. Following recommendations in the Moran report, Review of Orthodontic Services, structural changes are being introduced in the orthodontic services to allow the targets set out in the dental health action plan to be achieved. These structural changes include the creation of a new grade of specialist orthodontist and auxiliary dental worker in orthodontics.
However, it will be some time before these structural changes impact significantly on service levels. Consequently, I asked health boards to develop proposals to make an immediate significant impact on their waiting lists. An additional investment of £5.3 million has been approved for orthodontic services this year, of which £3.7 million is to fund an initiative on orthodontic waiting lists.
Additional funds of £440,000 were provided to the NEHB for orthodontic services in 2001, of which £90,000 was for the orthodontic initiative. I am informed by the chief executive officer of the NEHB that this initiative will enable the treatment of an additional 250 patients to commence. In addition, I have funded the development of a new regional orthodontic unit in Dundalk and the chief executive officer of the NEHB has advised me that this will be operational in the near future. I am confident that the structural changes in the orthodontic services coupled with the orthodontic initiative will secure the delivery of an effective orthodontic service.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 219.
