Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

107 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for physiotherapy at Cork University Hospital and St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork; his views on whether this waiting time is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6125/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I have been informed by the Southern Health Board that the average waiting times for physiotherapy at Cork University Hospital and St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Cork, are as follows: Cork University Hospital, four to six weeks and non-acute cases, four months; St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, acute cases, nine to ten weeks and non-acute cases, five months.

The board has advised me the increased waiting times have followed the appointment of new consultant staff and changes of work practices in services. The increased number of referrals to St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital and Cork University Hospital are due to increased activity in orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery, cardiac services, neuro services and paediatric services both at inpatient and outpatient levels. The board is currently reviewing its existing arrangements for physiotherapy support staff and will be in contact with my Department when this review is completed.