Ceist:
131 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have arrangements made to have immediate treatment and a heart operation provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [16114/97]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
Inquiries have been made from St. James's Hospital in relation to the person concerned. The hospital has confirmed that the person mentioned is on its cardiac waiting list but that it is not possible at this stage to provide an exact date for admission.
The scheduling of surgery is the clinical decision of the consultant concerned. Should the person concerned feel that his condition has deteriorated he should contact his general practitioner who would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant directly.
Ceist:
132 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the waiting list for heart operations at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16115/97]
I am informed by the authorities at St. James's Hospital that as of 7 October 1997 there were 559 patients on their cardiac surgery list.
St. James's Hospital have been invited to participate in the 1997 waiting list initiative which provides £1.6 million specifically for cardiac surgery patients. The main aim is to reduce the existing national cardiac surgery lists and I expect that patients on the waiting list of St. James's Hospital will benefit from the opportunity which it provides. My Department's strategy for achieving this aim involves the purchase of additional cardiac procedures and the selection of suitable patients for medical cardiac therapies. I must emphasise that high standards of evaluation and audit will be applied to the initiative. Participating agencies will be required to demonstrate clearly how the additional activity has impacted upon existing waiting lists and a full report will be required from each hospital on the matter.