Vol. 405 No. 6
164 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will outline, in respect of each health board as at 31 January, 1991 the number of patients in all categories such as surgical, medical, gynaecological, orthopaedic and cardiac who are on waiting lists; whether they are VHI/private patients or public patients; and the number of wards which still remain closed in each health board area.
Information on waiting lists in the form requested by the Deputy is not routinely kept in my Department. I have explained on many previous occasions that waiting lists have always been a feature of all health care systems throughout the world and this will continue given the infinite demands which will be made on finite resources. The success of new techniques and forms of treatment which have improved the quality of life for many patients has, however, led to increasing demands being placed on the health services with a consquent effect on waiting lists and waiting times. I have placed great emphasis on tackling waiting lists over the past few years. Waiting lists in Irish hospitals in most specialties are not excessive.
Certain areas were, however, identified as requiring special attention. The Deputy will be aware of my concern about the problems which had arisen in the provision of cardiac surgery, ear, nose and throat procedures, cataract and hip replacement operations and will also be aware that additional funds were made available in 1989 and 1990 to reduce waiting times in these areas. The effects of the additional funding were clearly seen towards the end of 1989 and throughout 1990.
The present waiting times for the specialities mentioned depends on the medical condition of the patient. Waiting lists are kept under regular review by consultants. Each patient is assessed having regard to the particular circumstances of the case and priority is given according to medical need.
Information in relation to the mix of private and public patients is not currently available. The introduction of modified arrangements for admission to public beds, as set out in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, will enable this information to be available in the future.
I will write further to the Deputy regarding the changes in acute consultant-staffed hospital beds since October 1988 per health board area.
