Vol. 490 No. 5
186 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate waiting period and number of children on the general waiting list and emergency waiting list for tonsillitis in the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1; and the measures, if any, he is taking to have the lists attended to more speedily. [10396/98]
187 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7, who is on the emergency waiting list for tonsillitis at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, will be reached. [10397/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 187 together.
With regard to ENT services, I have made inquiries of the hospital authorities and I understand there are a total of 775 patients on the ENT waiting list, mainly for tonsillectomies. The waiting time for those on the routine waiting list is approximately three years and for those on the non-routine list it is approximately one year. However, the hospital has identified a number of measures aimed at reducing the list. It is in the process of validating the ENT waiting list and it is anticipated that this exercise will result in a significant reduction in numbers waiting and in waiting times.
The hospital is exploring the possibility of opening its fourth theatre this year which should facilitate the ENT surgeon in carrying out additional procedures. The Deputy may be aware that the hospital's 1998 letter of allocation included a sum of £100,000 specifically to deal with waiting lists, and I understand ENT procedures have been identified as the hospital's priority for this funding. The Deputy may wish to know that a sum of £40,000 was provided under the waiting list initiative in 1996, and again in 1997, for additional activity, including additional ENT procedures.
With regard to the individual patient referred to by the Deputy, as the determination of inpatient appointments is a matter for the hospital authorities in the first instance, based on a clinical assessment of need, I have asked the secretary-manager of the Children's Hospital, Temple Street to investigate the position regarding this patient. Given the particular circumstances of this case, I have requested that he reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.
188 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be immediately called for his eye treatment in view of his serious medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10398/98]
The provision of medical treatment for eligible persons in County Leitrim is the statutory responsibility of the North-Western Health Board in the first instance. I have asked the chief executive officer of the North-Western Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this matter and to reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.
