Vol. 503 No. 3
358 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have investigations made in to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who had to wait three weeks for urgent physio treatment at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; and the reason for the delay. [9929/99]
The provision of physiotherapy in this case is the responsibility, in the first instance, of St. James's Hospital. I have, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the hospital to investigate this matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
359 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the out-patient waiting list for an orthopaedic consultant (details supplied) in County Waterford, is 12 to 18 months; the resources if any, he will provide in order to reduce the appointment waiting time to an acceptable level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9931/99]
The provision of medical services at Waterford Regional Hospital in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board. I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this matter and reply to the Deputy directly.
The Deputy will be aware that I am attaching major priority to addressing waiting times generally. A comprehensive review of the problem has been undertaken and work is under way on giving effect to the wideranging recommendations that emerged from that. More immediately I have substantially increased the level of funding available under the waiting list initiative. A sum of £20 million has been provided this year. I am confident that the set of immediate, medium and long-term measures being taken will achieve significant progress in reducing overall waiting times for public patients.
