Vol. 495 No. 4
223 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number waiting for mammograms in Dublin; the average waiting time for attention in this regard; if he will confirm that certain clinics are currently taking no appointments; and if he has satisfied himself with the one year waiting time for a diagnostic test which is essential for timely preventive care. [20058/98]
The total number of women awaiting mammograms in the five major Dublin hospitals dealing with breast cancer are, Mater, Beaumont, St. James's, St. Vincent's and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin incorporating the National Children's Hospital, is approximately, 1,700.
The average waiting time for routine referrals, those which are not considered to be medically urgent varies, between four and eight weeks. Urgent appointments are normally seen within a few days of referral.
Routine or asymptomatic cases are dealt with as soon as possible, but must be subject to careful prioritisation. In view of the demands placed on mammography services, some hospitals may refer asymptomatic women to their general practitioner for a further assessment of priority. Hospitals review their caseload regularly, to ensure that women with an urgent cause for concern are seen without delay. The criteria for urgent cases include the existence of a breast lump, previous family history of breast cancer or other high risk indicators.
Where a woman is concerned at the length of time she has to wait for a mammography, she can ask her general practitioner to discuss her case with a consultant radiologist, who decides upon the priority of cases.
I am committed to developing mammography services in line with the principles of the national cancer strategy. In the Eastern Health Board area, the regional directors of cancer services are preparing proposals for the further development of services for the treatment of cancer, including breast cancer.
224 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the rapid increase in numbers on the waiting lists in Cappagh Orthopedic Hospital, Dublin 11, in the past 12 months; and if he will give priority in relation to access to additional funds for this hospital. [20059/98]
225 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of surgical procedures conducted in Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11, in each of the past two years; and the average length of waiting between referral and surgery in each of the past two years at this hospital. [20060/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 225 together.
The number of patients awaiting treatment at Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital at the end of September 1997 was 1,169; the figure at the end of September in the current year was 1,547.
A number of factors have contributed to the increase in the numbers awaiting treatment at the hospital. These include an increase in the number of younger people who require orthopaedic treatment, an expansion of the range of procedures now being carried out, the number of persons presenting for revision surgery in respect of procedures first carried more than 20 years ago, and in 1997 and 1998 additional and replacement consultant appointments have been made at the hospital. These consultants have developed their own waiting lists. The provision of additional funding will be considered in the context of the funding available for the continued development of hospital services at 1999 and the competing demands on that funding.
