Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this matter. A number of constituents have contacted me about the unacceptable waiting times to get an appointment for assessment at St. James's Hospital following diagnosis of arthritis by their GPs. In one case, my constituent was given an appointment for 12 months later following referral by her GP. This lady waited for a few months in some considerable pain and then decided, at significant personal financial hardship, to get a private assessment in a different hospital.

Arising from the information provided by this lady and a number of others, I made inquiries with St. James's Hospital to establish the average waiting times and the number of patients awaiting assessment and treatment. There are approximately 500 patients on the waiting list. I understand the average waiting time for assessment is 15 to 18 months following referral by a GP. If the case is defined as urgent, it can take as long as four months to be seen by a consultant, unless the patient is admitted as an emergency case.

From my constituent's perspective, living in pain for 12 to 18 months was the immediate concern. However, what might not be obvious to her or other people suffering from arthritis is that many long-term effects are associated with delayed treatment. These include irreversible joint damage and internal organ damage. It is estimated that a delay in providing treatment for inflammatory arthritis can reduce life expectancy by ten years. Many related medical problems, including heart disease, osteoporosis and increased susceptibility to infections and cancer may also develop as a consequence of delayed treatment. Early diagnosis, assessment and treatment indicate a more positive outcome for patients.

What plans are in place to reduce waiting times for these patients? What resources will be provided to St. James's to allow waiting lists to be addressed and patients to be seen within a reasonable timeframe?

Preventative medicine is the Cinderella of the health service. Early intervention would make a huge difference to the quality of life of my constituent. In the case of the other 500 patients on the waiting list, it would also result in long-term savings to the State if the consequential illnesses were prevented. This debate is about quality of life, the avoidance of unnecessary pain and the right to access medical treatment when recommended by a GP. It is about life expectancy and the avoidance of other complications setting in later in life. It is also about wise investment and management of resources so that prevention becomes the priority.

We all know people suffering from arthritis. While it may not have a high profile medically because it is not seen as life threatening, the hidden consequences should give food for thought. I ask the Minister to put in place the personnel, services and facilities to reduce the suffering of the patients I have mentioned.

I visited St. James's Hospital because of the concerns raised by my constituent. I found the staff with responsibility for the care and management of patients with arthritis are doing their best to accommodate as many patients as possible in conditions that leave much to be desired. I urge the Minister to undertake to review the provision of facilities and staff resources for the delivery of arthritis related services. It is not good enough that up to 500 patients are left waiting and in pain for a service that could easily be enhanced and upgraded for a relatively modest investment.

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