Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Community Support Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

267 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of centres in the south east which an audiologist is expected to visit; the type of secretarial support required at each centre; if that support is available on an uninterrupted basis; the length of the time for the delivery of the audiologist's report to the visiting teacher for the deaf; if a three month delivery time is acceptable; if not, the steps being taken to reduce the time involved; the reasons for such a delay; if he has any plans to improve the overall system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27398/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

On the dissolution of the national rehabilitation board responsibility for the provision of audiology services is being transferred to ERHA and the regional health boards. Because this transfer could not be accomplished all at once it was decided to transfer initial responsibility for the services, including technical services, to the northern area health board.

I understand from the northern area health board that the number of centres in the South Eastern Health Board in which clinics are currently run is eight.

Prior to the transfer of the audiology services to the northern area health board on 10 June, 2000 the total amount of administrative support in the South Eastern Health Board amounted to 0.6 of a post, distributed between the four offices in that board's area. In July, the allocation was increased to 0.5 of a post in each of the four locations. This allocation was further increased by 0.5 of a post in October giving a total of 2.5 posts, a five-fold increase. The board is monitoring the situation and will endeavour to further increase administrative support if the need arises.

Given that the South Eastern Health Board area is served by one audiological scientist, outlying hearing clinics are generally held every two months. Following a particular clinic, reports are then sent as required to teachers for the deaf as expeditiously as the administrative process allows. It takes approximately three months from the time of assessment to the time of reporting which under the present arrangement is quite reasonable.

The northern area health board is currently engaged in a full review of the service including making better use of new technology, procuring new equipment for clinicians and attempting to reduce the number of people who do not attend scheduled interviews. The board is also doing a national audit of staffing requirements with a view to improving staff ratios. It is anticipated that these initiatives will significantly enhance the service.