Vol. 407 No. 6
157 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health if he will sanction the appointment of a second consultant dermatologist at the University College Hospital, Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the widespread annoyance at the present backlog of patients on the waiting lists; and if his attention has further been drawn to the suffering and pain being experienced by patients who may have to wait up to 15 months for treatment.
My Department have not to date received a detailed formal proposal from the Western Health Board requesting sanction for a second consultant dermatologist appointment at University College Hospital, Galway. Should such a proposal be received, it will be examined in the light of the board's priorities for service development and their overall financial position.
The admission of an individual patient to hospital is a matter for the hospital authority and the consultant in charge of the case. Waiting lists are kept under regular review and priority is given to urgent cases. Should any patient feel that their condition has deteriorated, they should contact their general practitioner who will be in the best position to stress the urgency of the case to the consultant concerned.
