Vol. 562 No. 1
363 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the process of waiting list validation for orthodontics in the Western Health Board area which results in reductions of the waiting lists for treatment; and the number of children removed from the waiting list during the process of validation in 2001 and 2002. [5165/03]
As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment lies with the health boards in the first instance. Validation of waiting lists are an integral part of the management of such lists, in order to ensure that up to date and accurate information on waiting lists and waiting times is available. The chief executive officer of the Western Health Board has informed me that the board carried out a validation of their orthodontic waiting list in 2002. In carrying out this validation exercise, all patients on the waiting list received a notification requesting them to indicate if they wished to remain on the waiting list. In the event of a reply not having been received, a follow up letter issued to the patient seeking their response. This validation process resulted in a reduction of approximately 200 patients from the waiting list. The chief executive officer has further informed me that the board did not validate its orthodontic waiting list in 2001.
