Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2012
300. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the extent of the waiting list, numbers and waiting times for in-patient and outpatient ear nose and throat services at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will specify the measures he intends to take to address this situation [49093/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the Inpatient Waiting List at Waterford Regional Hospital for ear nose and throat services, the 9 month target set by SDU for adult patients and the 20 week target set by SDU for children are being met. On the Outpatient Waiting List as of 19th October there are currently 1742 patients waiting less than a year, 1252 patients listed as waiting between one and two years, 744 listed as waiting between two and three years and 389 listed as waiting between three and four years, a total of 4,127 patients. In line with SDU Policy, the Outpatient Waiting List is continuously being validated. Once patients are seen at an Outpatient Clinic, they are placed on the Inpatient Waiting List for the relevant surgery, if surgical intervention is required.
57 Clinics are held each 4 week period between Waterford Regional Hospital and a range of locations across the South East counties. All clinics are Consultant delivered: Waterford Regional Hospital consultants travel to the outreach clinics. Approximately 300 new referrals are received each month at the Central Referrals Office. Referrals are clinically prioritised as Urgent or Routine and scheduled for the OPD Clinic at WRH or at an outreach Clinic by the Consultants.
