Vol. 512 No. 8
59 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time public outpatients are waiting for ENT appointments in each general hospital in the south-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26594/99]
The provision of services is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board in the first instance. I understand from the board that the general procedure in its hospitals is that the patient is referred to a consultant by a GP's letter. Referral letters are reviewed by the consultant who classifies them into "urgent", "intermediate" or "routine". I understand from the board that urgent cases will be seen at the next consultant's clinic. The board has advised me that it is currently reviewing the operation of the outpatients department, the primary objective will be to establish ways in which the quality of the service to the public can be improved, while maximising the clinical value of the outpatient service.
The board has confirmed that the current waiting time for a routine outpatient appointment in its area is as set out in the table below:
|
County |
Waiting time |
|
Waterford |
2½ - 3½ years. |
|
Wexford |
12 - 16 months |
|
Carlow/Kilkenny |
12 - 16 months |
|
South Tipperary |
2½ years |
