Michael Ring
Question:144 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who are awaiting cataract surgery in the Western Health Board region and nationally. [24730/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
The total number of people waiting for ophthalmology procedures in the Western Health Board area as at 30 June 2001, the latest date for which figures are available, was 165. This number includes 97 patients waiting for cataract operations. The total number waiting for ophthalmic procedures nationally at the 30 June 2001, as reported by health agencies, was 2,855. Some hospitals did not provide details of the procedures to be carried out within the specialty of ophthalmology, therefore, the total number waiting for cataract operations as at 30 June 2001 is unavailable to my Department.