Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2012
518 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health the numbers of persons treated and the numbers on the waiting list for treatment at the Cork University Hospital dental clinic for young adults with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30275/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
519 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive medical treatment at the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7; and if he is concerned about the waiting lists for this medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30291/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including the management of referrals from GPs by hospitals. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies — mainly the HSE and the NTPF.
As a priority, public hospitals were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
