Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1095. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the waiting times at the breast cancer clinic at Letterkenny University Hospital specifically in respect of those waiting for three months, six months, nine months, 12 months, 15 months and all periods in similar increments thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26834/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the number of patients waiting to be seen at the symptomatic breast clinic in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) - these figures include patients who have been assigned clinic dates:
|
Symptomatic Breast Clinic Waiting Times - LUH |
|
|
Waiting Time |
No. of Patients |
|
0-3 months |
205 |
|
3-6 months |
139 |
|
6-12 months |
245 |
|
12+ months |
143 |
The symptomatic breast disease clinic at LUH operates as a satellite service of University Hospital Galway (UHG). The service at LUH is run by a single consultant who also undertakes general surgery at the hospital. This service is augmented by locum consultants and by Galway-based Saolta consultants who travel to carry out clinics in Letterkenny.
A locum consultant surgeon, to deal with the current demands on the service, has been identified and is expected to commence work towards the end of July. Increased levels of support from Saolta consultants is also envisaged with additional clinics being scheduled. Consideration is also being given to longer-term measures to meet future requirements of this service.
