asked the Minister for Health the total amount of payments, if any, made by his Department to the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, for the years 1966 to 1971; the total number of beds available in this hospital for ophthalmic treatment; and whether he considers the facilities at this hospital adequate to meet the requirements of the expanding Dublin population.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Eye and Ear Hospital.
6.
The amounts of grants paid from the Hospital Trust Fund in recoupment of revenue deficits and towards capital expenditure for the years 1966 to 1971 were as follows:
|
Recoupment of Revenue Deficits |
Capital Expenditure |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
1966 |
51,317 |
646 |
|
1967 |
75,751 |
1,767 |
|
1968 |
101,804 |
10,630 |
|
1969 |
108,000 |
3,656 |
|
1970 |
135,000 |
621 |
|
1971 |
175,000 |
21,000 |
There are 122 ophthalmic beds at the hospital which is considered adequate to meet present and prospective demands, taken in conjunction with the provision for this speciality in other Dublin hospitals.
Could the Minister say if there is a waiting list for any special operative procedures at present in this hospital?
There is pretty well always a waiting list for cold surgery, squints, cataract and that sort of operation and the waiting period there at the moment is approximately six months.
I know it is not the Minister's Department but would he bring to the attention of the Minister for Health that these services are not adequate if there is such a long waiting list especially for operations such as squint where time is of the essence and it may be too late by the time they are reached?