Vol. 511 No. 6
261 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children the difficulties in relation to the provision of orthodontic treatment at St James's Hospital, Dublin 8; if these difficulties will be resolved; when the hospital will be able to resume orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24989/99]
The Eastern Health Board has been experiencing difficulties in the provision of services in its regional orthodontic department in St. James's Hospital over the past few months. I understand from the board that these difficulties were caused by the consultant orthodontist's unilateral decision to withdraw from the provision of orthodontic assessments, orthodontic opinions and the commencement of orthodontic appliance therapy for new patients. The position was exacerbated recently by the withdrawal of consultant cover and the consultant orthodontist's refusal to provide guidance to dental clinicians regarding orthodontic procedures.
Despite negotiations and discussion at the highest level in the Eastern Health Board, the consultant orthodontist persistently refused to provide services as outlined above. I understand that the consultant orthodontist's actions led to her suspension from duty without pay with effect from 4 November 1999.
The Eastern Health Board is now in the process of ensuring that appropriate arrangements are put in place to provide continuity of orthodontic services as heretofore. The board is in discussion with the Dublin Dental Hospital regarding the provision of consultant cover and it is anticipated that these discussions will reach a successful conclusion in the near future.
