Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

341 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he will take to ensure an early appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford awaiting rheumatology services at Waterford Regional Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting list for rheumatology services in the south east stands at two years and eight months; if he will request the South-Eastern Health Board to appoint at least one additional rheumatologist to reduce the waiting period to a reasonable level; if he will provide additional funding to ensure such an appointment can be made without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

As the Deputy will be aware, the South-Eastern Health Board is responsible for the provision of services at Waterford Regional Hospital. The board has identified as a priority development the appointment of a second consultant rheumatologist at Waterford Regional Hospital, and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have recently given financial approval to the board for that appointment. The board is confident that this appointment will impact favourably on those patients currently on the waiting list for rheumatology treatment at the hospital.

In relation to the person referred to in the Deputy's question, I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to look into this matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.