Vol. 435 No. 1
176 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ultra sound facility available to GPs in the Mater Hospital catchment area has been withdrawn by the hospital authorities and to the difficulties and consequences this withdrawal has on services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that the ultra sound facility available to GPs in the Mater Hospital has been withdrawn on a temporary basis. This is due to an increase in the number of referrals which has resulted in an unsatisfactory waiting period for patients awaiting ultra sound. The hospital is dealing with all current in-patient and out-patient referrals. All emergency referrals continue to be handled immediately.
The Mater Hospital is working to clear the current ultra sound waiting list so that routine GP referrals can be accepted again. The hospital is endeavouring to increase the ultra sound throughput to meet the increase in referrals.
