Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
44. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ultrasounds; the backlog that exists for ultrasounds in Galway University Hospital for infants up to four months; the reason there is a backlog for such an essential service; the steps being taken to resolve this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20605/16]
View answerPaediatric ultrasounds can be used to examine the causes of abdominal pain, to investigate a mass of tissue or lump, to assess normal cranial development and for diagnosis of joint problems, particularly developmental dysplasia of the hip joint, if indicated during the 6-8 week post-natal examination. Kidney and or urogenital ultrasounds are often performed where there is a history of repeated urinary tract infections.
Babies undergo an external hip examination in the days immediately following their birth, and again at the 6 week check-up. They are then scheduled for an ultrasound, if it is considered that there is a risk of hip dysplasia. However, the ultrasound is not carried out before the infant is 8 weeks of age. Galway University Hospital provides a specialised ultrasound service for infants aged four months or under. I am advised by the HSE that the Hospital runs two specialised ultrasound sessions for infants per week, resulting in the treatment of approximately 14 patients each week.
The protocols for the imaging of infant hips were amended at a national level in 2015, to the effect that imaging is to be carried out using ultrasound. This amendment to the protocol resulted in an increase in referrals. Accordingly, the National Paediatric Hip Programme has approved a sonographer post for Galway University Hospital. To date, two recruitment campaigns have been carried out with no success; a new campaign is to be relaunched with the National Recruitment Service.
The HSE has advised that there are currently 58 children under the age of four months on the ultrasound waiting list and ultrasound procedures are carried out once the baby is 8 weeks old. This waiting list is being managed within the current resources of the Radiology Department, until such as time as the new radiographer post can be filled.
