Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 May 2014
33. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health if the physiotherapy posts in Waterford Regional Hospital have been filled; the number of persons working within the unit; if he will confirm on average the number of patients that come under their remit; the average waiting times for patients; his views on whether these are acceptable timeframes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21147/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current physiotherapy staffing complement is 18.1 wte and there are currently 13.4 wtes employed; a recruitment process is underway to fill the vacant posts. All referrals to physiotherapy services in Waterford Regional Hospital are prioritised. There is a service to all hospital wards and new emerging needs are addressed within resources available and in accordance with priorities identified.
The current waiting times are 10 days for urgent treatment, 63 days for routine referrals and 120 days for women's health. Lymphoedema patients are seen within 10 days for assessment and garment fitting. In April 2014, 703 new patients and 323 review patients were seen and 2,506 treatments provided.
