Vol. 407 No. 1
288 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is an excess of a six months' waiting list for patients wishing to see ear, nose and throat specialists in St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; if he will outline his plans to rectify this situation; and if he will confirm that treatment required by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will be made available to her well in advance of 12 September 1991.
The position in relation to out-patient appointments for patients wishing to see ear, nose and throat specialists at St. James's Hospital is that all ENT cases which are considered urgent are given priority and are seen by the consultant as soon as possible. The Deputy will appreciate that it is a matter for the consultant concerned to determine the priority attached to each case, and to arrange treatment accordingly. Should the patient consider that her condition has deteriorated and that an urgent appointment is warranted, she should contact her general practitioner with a view to expediting an appointment with the consultant.
