Dick Spring
Ceist:165 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the four year waiting list for plastic surgery in the Southern Health Board area; and the proposals he has to alleviate the situation.
Written Answers. - Plastic Surgery Services.
I am aware that some patients on the routine waiting list for plastic surgery in the Southern Health Board area are experiencing delays.
The scheduling of admissions to hospital is a clinical decision for the consultant in charge of the case. Priority is given in accordance with the medical needs of the patient. Waiting lists are kept under review and it is open to a patient's general practitioner to stress the urgency of a case to the consultant concerned.
Because of my concern about the delays experienced by some patients awaiting plastic surgery, I requested Comhairle na n-Ospidéal to establish a committee to examine the organisation of plastic surgery and associated services for maxillo-facial and burns cases nationally. The committee is actively considering the matter at present and I look forward to receiving its report and recommendations.