Alan M. Dukes
Question:22 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the campaign for tinnitus clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25512/01]
Written Answers. - Tinnitus Services.
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.
I am aware of concerns expressed by representatives of the Irish Tinnitus Association regarding the level of services available in major hospitals to tinnitus sufferers. In this regard, I have had inquiries made of the health boards and the ERHA in order to assess the current position.
Following clarification of the service position, officials from my Department met with representatives of the association on 20 September 2001. At this meeting, various issues were discussed, including the association's proposal for the establishment of a designated clinic specifically for tinnitus sufferers and the need for funding of a lo-call helpline for the association. These proposals are being assessed within my Department and will be the subject of further discussion with the association in the near future.
The service needs of tinnitus sufferers will be informed,inter alia, by a detailed review of audiology services in the eastern region at primary, secondary and community care levels. A review group, made up of a wide variety of people involved in the audiology services, has been established with the goal of developing a strategy for audiology services in the future. The review is expected to be completed by the end of 2001. The merits or otherwise of the proposal to provide a designated tinnitus clinic will be further considered by my Department in light of this research.