Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2011
570 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when an appointment for 19 February 2013, for an examination can be brought forward in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31170/11]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
571 Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath, is on the waiting list in excess of 12 months to see a cardiologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31182/11]
View answerI am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and facility involved.
