asked the Minister for Health if, having regard to the long waiting periods which have frequently to be endured by persons requiring ophthalmic surgery, he will state what steps are being taken to increase the number of beds in ophthalmic hospitals.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ophthalmic Hospitals
26.
Since 1966, 29 additional beds in ophthalmic hospitals were provided, 16 more are expected to be available early next year, while tenders are being considered for a reconstruction project which will provide an extra 20 beds. When these are available, I expect that there will be a very rapid reduction in the waiting list, which is already falling.
Would the Minister be good enough to tell us where these beds are being made available?
They are being made available in the County Hospital, Sligo, and in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital. Tenders for the provision of some other additional beds are being arranged for the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital.
Is the Minister aware that at present there can be a delay of up to one year before people urgently requiring ophthalmic surgery can get beds in the Dublin area?
I am so aware and I am trying to improve the position.
Is it the position that the additional accommodation will not be adequate to cater for the existing backlog much less than provide the accommodation necessary for the anticipated increase in the population of Dublin?
There are further plans also. St. Vincent's, Elm Park, will also have provision for ophthalmic cases.
Will the Minister give us some idea of the present waiting list for ophthalmic surgery?
The waiting list varies, of course.
Can he give us the total waiting list for people awaiting ophthalmic surgery?
The waiting list of the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital was halved in 1968. The position still requires further improvement. The average waiting time was one year for patients under 12 years and one to two years for patients over 12. The improvement in Sligo Hospital will take away some of the waiting list because up to now people in the Sligo area have been going to the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, so that there will be an improvement in the position arising from that.
The Minister stated that the waiting list had been halved and, if he knows the figures were halved, can he give us the total figures?
I have just given the figures.
Will the Minister tell us the number on the waiting list?
The Deputy had better ask a further question.