Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 9

Written Answers. - Dublin Hospital Operations Waiting List.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

216 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the number of children that are on the waiting list for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin 12 awaiting operations for the removal of tonsils and adenoids and ear operations; and if he will further outline the length of time a child has to wait before the necessary operation can be performed from the first visit to the consultant to the actual operation.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

There are 227 children awaiting operations for tonsils and adenoids, and 176 children awaiting ear operations at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.

The average waiting time for tonsil and adenoid operations is ten months and for ear operations is 18 months. However, urgent cases are given priority and are dealt with accordingly.

The Deputy will appreciate that the admission of a patient to hospital is a matter for the consultant concerned. Should parents be concerned about a child's condition, they should return to the family doctor who will be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of the case to the consultant directly.