Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the current no show rates for outpatient appointments at each hospital; the reasons for no shows; if the time delay between the issuing of the appointment and the date of the appointment itself is a contributory factor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23793/09]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the current outpatient waiting list for each speciality at each acute hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23794/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.

The HSE is taking a number of steps to improve the delivery of hospital out-patient services. The Executive is engaged in a significant exercise with the objective of validating public out-patient lists and streamlining the processes for access to and management of appointments. The Executive's 2009 National Service Plan specifies targets which include increasing the number of new patients seen by every consultant each month and achieving a reduction in the ratio of new to return attendances at out-patient departments.

I have referred the particular issues raised by the Deputy to the HSE for direct reply.