I am aware that there are long waiting lists for ear, nose and throat services at the Mercy Hospital. A limited ear, nose and throat service is provided by a consultant employed in a private capacity by the Mercy Hospital. The hospital is examining ways in which inroads can be made on both out-patient and in-patient waiting lists.
The regional centre for ear, nose and throat services in the Southern Health Board area is the South Infirmary — Victoria Hospital. Following the allocation of extra funding for ear, nose and throat services in August last year, six extra beds were opened at the hospital and I am glad to report that considerable progress has been made in reducing waiting lists. Two additional out-patient clinics will be provided at the hospital each week from 8 March 1990 for new patients and by August of this year an average waiting time for new out-patients will be about three to four months. Waiting lists for surgery are also being reviewed and the average waiting time should also be reduced to three to four months by September 1990. In addition, the South Infirmary Victoria has advertised for a second consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon. If this post is filled it will contribute further to reducing waiting times for ear, nose and throat treatment in the Southern Health Board area.
I am anxious that there should be closer co-operation between the Mercy and South Infirmary — Victoria Hospitals in the provision of ear, nose and throat services in Cork to avoid situations such as that referred to by the Deputy. I am therefore having this matter examined.