asked the Minister for Health, regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 who is awaiting a tonsillectomy at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1 and who has been on a waiting list since 15 January 1988, if he will outline the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that the two-and-a-half year waiting list will be reduced; and if he will make adequate funds available to the hospital in order that such operations are carried out without delay.
Written Answers. - Temple Street (Dublin) Hospital Waiting List.
98.
I would like to explain that the admission of a patient to hospital is a matter for the clinical decision of the consultant concerned and the hospital authority. Nonurgent (elective) cases may be put on a waiting list to ensure that emergency and urgent cases can be dealt with promptly. I would suggest to the Deputy that if the patient's condition has deteriorated he should return to his general practitioner who would be in the best position to stress the urgency of the case to the consultant concerned.
I understand that the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, is considering measures to reduce its ENT waiting list and I am monitoring the situation closely.