Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Noel Ahern

Question:

112 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to the campaign by the Irish Tinnitus Association for tinnitus clinics in major hospitals, he will outline the degree of service being sought by this body; if such a service is provided in some hospitals; if so, the hospitals which provide the service; the plans he has for the extension of this service; if discussions or consultations are ongoing with the Irish Tinnitus Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16452/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of hospital services to persons with tinnitus is a matter in the first instance for the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA.

I am aware of concerns expressed by representatives of the Irish Tinnitus Association regarding the level of service available in major hospitals to tinnitus sufferers. In this regard, I am having inquiries made of the health boards and the ERHA in order to assess the current position.

I have also arranged for officials from my Department to meet with representatives of the association when the service position has been clarified.

Noel Ahern

Question:

113 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if, regarding the oncology unit in a hospital (details supplied) he will outline the facilities in the unit; the length of time it is in existence; if it was specifically designed and equipped as an oncology unit; if it is currently in the class 1 type unit; its future status as an oncology unit; if they are any plans for upgrading or re-equipment of the unit; if there is a vacancy for chief consultant oncologist; if so, when it will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16453/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of services in the case to which the Deputy is referring is the responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board.

I have, therefore, asked the chief executive officer at the board to examine the issues raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him as a matter of urgency.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

114 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will seek an urgent review of the arrangements for hip replacement operations in the Eastern Regional Health Authority; the number of people now waiting for hip replacements in the region; the typical waiting time; and if he will intervene to ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 is seen to as soon as possible. [16454/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the provision of health services to persons living in Counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the case referred to by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

I wish to advise the Deputy that between December 1999 and December 2000, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of adults awaiting orthopaedic services for more than 12 months decreased by 45% nationally. The overall number of patients waiting for orthopaedic services in the eastern region decreased by 32% during the same period. With regard to hip replacement surgery in the eastern region there were 393 patients waiting between three and 12 months, and 541 patients waiting over 12 months.