asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is a waiting list of more than a year for tonsil operations in the Western Health Board area; if he proposes to allocate money to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tonsil Operations.
456.
Tonsilectomies and other tonsil associated operations are carried out in the Western Health Board area at Galway Regional Hospital where there are three ear, nose and throat surgeons. There are currently 143 patients waiting for such operations and the average length of time spent on the waiting list is about a year. Such cases are generally of a non-urgent nature and in any case where the surgeon is of the opinion that an operation is required urgently, he can operate without delay.