Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

41 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the most recent waiting lists for hospital procedures by speciality in each hospital; the average waiting time for each specialist; the steps being taken to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19210/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The hospital in-patient waiting times and the numbers on waiting lists as at 31 March 2001 in the format collected by my Department, are being communicated separately to the Deputy.

Considerable progress has been made in reducing waiting lists and waiting list times. Between March 2000 and March 2001, the number of adults waiting for cardiac surgery for more than 12 months decreased by 62%, the number waiting for ophthalmology services for more than 12 months decreased by 36% and the number wait ing for orthopaedic services for more than 12 months decreased by 36%.

During the same period, the number of children waiting for cardiac surgery for more than six months decreased by 78%, the number waiting for general surgery for more than six months decreased by 16%, the number waiting for ophthalmology services for more than six months decreased by 50% and the number waiting for ENT services for more than six months decreased by 29%. These welcome reductions have been achieved in a period of high levels of medical admissions and is a reflection of the major priority that is being attached to addressing high waiting lists.

It is my intention to pursue continual reductions in waiting lists and waiting times for hospital treatment in 2001. Dedicated funding for waiting list procedures of £34.5 million was allocated in 2000 to health agencies to enable hospitals to carry out waiting list procedures and I am pleased to inform the Deputy that £34.5 million has been indicated to health agencies under the waiting list initiative for 2001.