Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

333 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have examinations made into the delays in applications being processed for disabled and elderly people by the occupational therapy unit in the Eastern Health Board Clinic, Old County Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12806/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of occupational therapy services for eligible persons at the Old County Road clinic is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The authority has advised that when patients are referred for treatment they are assessed and categorised into three categories based on information provided in the referral letter. The categories are priority 1, 2 and 3.

Patients given priority 1 status are seen immediately, priority 2 within two years and priority 3 within three years. The numbers on the list at present are:

Priority 1	4
Priority 2	222
Priority 3	371

Additional occupational therapists were assigned to the department and this has resulted in a reduction of 28% in the priority 2 waiting list. A further reduction is anticipated in the course of this year.