Vol. 415 No. 1
366 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if she will make a statement on recent comments by the consultant staff of north Dublin's regional eye unit that out-patient arrangements are in need of radical overhaul; and if she will take action to ensure that this takes place.
The regional eye unit for north Dublin for adults is situated at the Mater Hospital and provides a primary, secondary and tertiary referral centre not only for north Dublin but also for the North-Eastern Health Board. The unit serves a catchment population of around 800,000 people.
The regional eye unit for north Dublin for children is located in the Children's Hospital, Temple Street.
The ophthalmic out-patients department in the Mater Hospital moved to new facilities in the new phase 1A block in February 1989 which greatly improved the physical qualities of the department.
In addition to a full range of ophthalmology services, there are special clinics in retinal disease, diabetic disease, children's diseases, neuro-ophthalmology, corneal disease and glaucoma successfully established in the Mater Hospital.
I have been advised by the Mater Hospital that an excellent service is being provided by the regional eye unit and that a radical overhaul is unnecessary. Any changes that might be required in the arrangements will be considered by the hospital management.
Waiting times for out-patient appointments are being considered as part of the general review of waiting lists which I have initiated, with a view to improving the service provided.
