Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
197. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has had to wait over a year in relation to an outpatient's appointment, such a delay is unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8405/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA maximum waiting time target of 12 months has been set for a first time consultant-led outpatient appointment and this is reflected in the HSE Service Plan. The SDU and the NTPF are working closely with hospitals towards achievement of the maximum waiting time.
Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific hospital appointment query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
