Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to delays in respect of audiology referrals at Waterford Regional Hospital with patients waiting for a minimum of three years; if he will furnish details of the numbers of persons on regional waiting lists; and if he will indicate the action he will take to reduce waiting times [13462/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE recently published the report of the National Audiology Review Group. The report contains a comprehensive set of recommendations to address the inconsistencies and inadequacies in audiology services. Work is now underway to improve access and deliver high quality, consistent audiology services around the country. In addition to the estimated €11 million exchequer funding available for audiology services annually, this year the HSE is investing an additional €3.7 million to begin the implementation of the recommendations of the Review Group. This will provide for the first phase of a National Newborn Hearing Screening programme, which will commence in Cork later this month, and for the appointment of a number of key posts to lead the development of audiology services nationwide.

In relation to audiology services in the south east, Waterford Regional Hospital is the main unit for referrals in the region. Paediatric third tier screening is provided at Waterford Regional Hospital by an audiological scientist. The service is experiencing some difficulty at the moment due to sick leave. Recruitment of a locum scientist is underway through the regional disabilities office in Cork. The HSE plan to employ additional scientists for the neonatal screening service and to assist with third tier screening waiting lists.

As Minister for Health, I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. The Government is committed to establishing a Special Delivery Unit (SDU) to improve access to the emergency and elective care system. The SDU is a Government priority and is one of the commitments from the Programme for Government 2011-2016 to be achieved within the first 100 days. Extensive work is currently being undertaken in designing the Unit, which will be modelled, in part, on the successful special delivery unit in Northern Ireland that substantially reduced waiting lists over two to three years.

Details in respect of the audiology national waiting lists as of June 2010 are set out below.