asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who are awaiting orthodontic treatment and assessment in each of the health board areas; and the waiting time for assessment and treatment in respect of each health board area. [18866/01]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
86
The provision of orthodontic services is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. The chief executive officers of the health boards have informed me that the number of patients awaiting assessment and treatment in their areas of responsibility at the end of the March quarter 2001 were as follows:
Health Board |
AssessmentWaiting List |
Waiting Time (Months) |
TreatmentWaiting List |
Waiting time (Months) |
ERHA |
10,505 |
up to 72 |
950 |
24 |
Midland |
35 |
3 |
153 |
15 |
Mid-Western |
2,050 |
24 – 30 |
1,512 |
24 – 36 |
North-Eastern |
Nil |
N/A |
813 |
24 – 30 |
North-Western |
390 |
4 |
2,351 |
32 – 43 |
South-Eastern |
271 |
2.5 |
576 |
15 |
Southern |
5,000 |
Varies according to date of birth – children born in June 1987 presently being assessed |
4,500 |
48 |
Western |
606 |
3 – 6 |
2,031 |
42 – 48 |
Totals |
18,857 |
12,886 |