Written answers

Tuesday, 23 May 2006

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 194: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that arthritis patients in County Mayo have to wait four years to access a rheumatologist and to information provided at the Joint Committee on Health and Children on 11 May 2006 that the waiting times for such service is longest in the west and midlands; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that while there is one rheumatologist per 400,000 population here, the comparable figure in the UK and the rest of Europe is 14 rheumatologists to 400,000 population where the waiting list there is six to 12 weeks compared to four years here; if in view of the report referred to, she will provide the specialist unit for arthritis sufferers in Mayo with the required consultant and other staff to give a service and waiting time comparable with the rest of Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19302/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In September 2002, Comhairle na nOspidéal initiated a review of Rheumatology Services. Its report, which was published in December 2005, examines the provision of services and makes recommendations on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the future.

Responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

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