The orthodontic service continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for the development by each health board of a consultant led orthodontic service. This ensures a service of high quality and high service levels. The provision of an orthodontic service to eligible persons in the Eastern Health Board area is the statutory responsibility of the health board.
I have been advised by the Eastern Health Board that since the introduction of its consultant led orthodontic service in 1996 significant progress has been made in reducing waiting lists and waiting times. All category I patients, the category of greatest need, are assessed and treated immediately. A treatment programme for category II patients is put in place immediately following assessment. The waiting list for assessment for category II patients has been reduced from 10,676 in 1996 to 6,649 in 1999. The average waiting time for assessment has reduced by two years and is now three years and ten months.
The board is continuing in its efforts to further reduce the category II waiting list as quickly as possible. I understand from the board that staffing difficulties which have arisen in recent months are currently being addressed.