Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Noel Ahern

Question:

91 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the waiting list for out-patient appointments with orthopaedic consultants; his plans to improve same; if there is a commitment in the national health strategy on out-patients appointments; and if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [6133/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the provision of services at Beaumont Hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer at the authority to look into this matter and reply directly to the Deputy.

Under the waiting list initiative introduced in 1993 dedicated funding is made available to health agencies to enable hospitals to carry out additional in-patient waiting list procedures. In order to monitor the performance of health agencies under this initiative, my Department collects and evaluates in-patient waiting list figures on a quarterly basis. My Department does not routinely collect or publish information on out-patient waiting lists. The new health strategy, which I launched recently, will provide a framework for the reform of the acute hospital system and improved access for public patients. It outlines measures which are designed to address the issue of efficiency in the delivery of out-patient services. Protocols for investigation and referral to hospital out-patient departments will be developed in conjunction with general practitioners. Nurse-led clinics for selected conditions will be introduced where feasible. I am confident that these measures will result in an improved service for out-patients in public hospitals.