Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rheumatology Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

71 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people from County Mayo on the waiting list for rheumatology treatment with the Western Health Board; the number of these which are of an urgent nature; his views on the average waiting time for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27269/01]

Enda Kenny

Question:

72 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the appointment of a rheumatologist for Mayo General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27270/01]

Enda Kenny

Question:

73 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the programme of treatment available within the Western Health Board for sufferers of rheumatology and arthritis; the financial allocation available for 2001 for implementation of this programme; the plans he has for an expansion of the service and further treatment of patients for 2002 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27271/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 to 73, inclusive, together.

The provision of rheumatology services for people residing in County Mayo is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. Data on out-patient waiting lists for rheumatology services are not routinely collected by my Department. My Department has, therefore, asked the board's chief executive to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the data requested on rheumatology waiting lists.

I have provided in the 2001 non-capital determination to the Western Health Board in excess of £400 million, which includes acute hospital service development funding of approximately £3 million.

I understand from the board that it is currently in the process of drawing up a strategic plan for the development of rheumatology services in its region over the next five year period.

The board sought the views of Comhairle na nOspidéal on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the region in the context of Comhairle's policy document on rheumatology services. The board has received comments from Comhairle. The board's draft strategy is now being amended to take account of Comhairle's comments.

I understand that when the draft strategy is finalised it will be considered by the board's acute services standing committee, following which it will be presented to the board for formal adoption.

The board has recently submitted an application for an additional consultant physician with a special interest in rheumatology. This post will be considered for 2002 in the context of the availability of development funding and the board's overall prioritisation of its development requirements.