Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their attendance and the presentation. The report provided by Mr. Woods refers to the 2,600 additional beds required and the issue of elective hospitals. Project 2040 contains plans in that regard. What progress has been made on the elective hospitals projects? For instance, Cork was identified as requiring a new hospital. A committee was formed to further the project but I understand it has not yet met. What progress has been made in that regard? This is an urgent matter and if the relevant people are not meeting to identify sites, etc., how can the project be delivered?

The report refers to 477,000 people not attending for appointments. What progress has been made in regard to updating how people are notified of appointments, such as by text and so on? Many areas of the HSE now notify patients by text but all areas should do so. Obviously, that would reduce the number of people who get the date of their appointment wrong for various reasons, such as ill health, and may not notify the hospital of that. Some 477,000 is a significant number of non-attendances, almost 10,000 per week, and is a significant drain on the service. For example, if 50% of patients do not turn up for their appointment at a particular clinic, a huge amount of time is wasted.

There is a substantial waiting list for gynaecological services in Cork. Some 40% of those on the waiting list for the entire country are in that area. What progress has been made in reducing the number waiting for gynaecological services in Cork and what further action needs to be taken?

In the past two weeks, I have become aware of a very serious problem in regard to access to psychiatric services for young people. A young person was admitted to Cork University Hospital in April of this year but has not been seen by a psychiatric consultant as there are none covering that geographical region of Cork. Consequently, the young person cannot access the CAMHS programme. His parents are extremely concerned and he wishes to get access to services. There appear to be territorial boundaries such that a consultant in charge of one area will not see a patient from another area. In the era of modern medicine, it is outrageous that this 15 or 16 year old boy requires access to services but cannot access them because of entrenched positions.

I need some clarification in that regard. This is an area in which we have seen a number of serious incidents involving young people and there is a need for access to services. The consultant who was there has either retired or resigned. There was a locum in place for period who has now gone and there is no consultant covering the area. Young people who want to gain access to the service cannot do so. There is a need for some accountability on the matter. I have referred to someone who is on a waiting list. The issue is extremely urgent.