Vol. 493 No. 5
167 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide details of the number of whole-time equivalent persons providing physiotherapy and speech therapy in the Eastern Health Board area; and the waiting times for these services in the board's area. [16773/98]
The most recent information in relation to staffing levels in the health service is the personnel census taken at 31 December 1996. Information in respect of 1997 is currently being compiled by my Department.
In relation to the Eastern Health Board region, there are 263.09 whole-time equivalent physiotherapists — all grades — and 105.72 speech and language therapists — all grades — employed in the public health service.
I have had inquiries made of the Eastern Health Board and the waiting times for these services are set out in the attached table:
|
Speech Therapy |
Physiotherapy |
||
|
Assessment |
Therapy |
||
|
Area 1 |
10 months |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Area 2 |
6 months |
3-12 months |
5 weeks |
|
Area 3 |
6 months |
2 months-3 years |
Nil |
|
Area 4 |
12 months |
6 months |
2 months |
|
Area 5 |
9.8 months |
6.5 months |
14 months |
|
Area 6 |
8 months |
6-17 months |
3-4 weeks |
|
Area 7 |
6-12 months |
6 months+ |
4-6 weeks |
|
Area 8 |
6 months |
9 months |
Not available |
|
Area 9 |
7 months |
Nil |
4 months |
|
Area 10 |
6 months |
9 months |
*(See note) |
