Vol. 512 No. 7
41 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the chaotic state of orthodontic services within the Eastern Health Board area; the reason for the delay in approving the proposal for a new centre in Beaumont hospital, Dublin 9; when he will approve the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27155/99]
The Eastern Health Board has been experiencing difficulties in the provision of services in their 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 by the withdrawal of consultant cover and the consultant orthodontist's refusal to provide guidance to dental clinicians regarding orthodontic procedures.
Despite negotiations and discussions at the highest level 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.
Since her suspension, there has been on-going communication between health board senior management and the consultant orthodontist's representatives to see if the difficulties encountered could be overcome to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. In the interim, the board is making every effort to procure consultant cover to facilitate the full restoration of orthodontic services.
I have now approved the planning brief as submitted by the Eastern Health Board in respect of the proposed new orthodontic unit at Beaumont Hospital and have sanctioned a capital grant of £2.6 million in respect of this project.
I recently approved a capital grant of £1.065 million for the development of a regional orthodontic unit in Dublin South-East. The development of these two additional units will make a significant contribution to the orthodontic service in the Eastern Health Board area.
