Gabrielle McFadden
Ceist:337. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health the number of adults currently on the public waiting list to access audiology services. [42811/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 11 November 2014
Ceisteanna (337, 339)
Gabrielle McFadden
Ceist:339. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health the average public waiting time for an adult to access community audiology services in the health system. [42813/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 339 together.
As of March 2014, there were 4,070 adults on the waiting list for assessment. The HSE's Integrated Audiology Programme is overseeing a number of developments that will reduce these numbers shortly. Included in these developments is the validation of all waiting lists to produce a more accurate assessment of priorities, the recruitment of nine new graduates in mid 2014, and the establishment of otitis media screening clinics run by public health nurses and area medical officers. The procurement of a computerised patient management system in 2015, which will provide real time data and better day to day management of lists, is under consideration.
More specific accurate data regarding waiting times should be available in January 2015.