John O'Mahony
Question:229. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to deal with persons not turning up for out patients appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21745/13]
View answerWednesday, 8 May 2013
Questions (229, 230, 231, 232)
John O'Mahony
Question:230. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who did not show up for outpatients' appointments at Galway University Hospital in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21746/13]
View answerJohn O'Mahony
Question:231. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who did not show up for outpatients' appointments at Mayo General Hospital in 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21748/13]
View answerJohn O'Mahony
Question:232. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who did not show up for outpatients' appointments at Mayo General Hospital in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21749/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 to 232, inclusive, together.
Tackling outpatient waiting lists is the next priority for the Special Delivery Unit set up by the Minister to unblock access to our acute hospitals. The target for 2013 is that no-one should be waiting longer than a year for an outpatient appointment. An Outpatient Reform Programme is underway with the SDU, the HSE Outpatient Reform Team and the HSE Clinical Programmes. This is the overarching programme that is looking at the structure and operation of clinics. Implementation of this programme will ensure a sustainable low wait environment for outpatient services and prevent the build-up of long waiters.
In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.