Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 594: To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients on the outpatient waiting list at Cork University Hospital awaiting an appointment for a future date; if he will specify in tabular form the numbers of patients who have been awaiting an appointment for less than three months, for three to six months, for six to 12 months, and for 12 months and more; if he will provide a breakdown of the number on the waiting list per each hospital department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18620/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The management of outpatient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 596: To ask the Minister for Health the progress made in the area of waiting lists in the area of paediatric orthopaedic surgery arising from his recent meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18639/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE and the paediatric hospitals are looking at a number of initiatives to deal with Orthopaedic waiting lists and are actively engaged in ensuring the optimum service delivery for those paediatric patients in need of spinal surgery. The feasibility of carrying out two spinal surgeries on Friday's is currently under consideration in light of possible knock-on impacts on other areas of orthopaedic service delivery. In addition the NTPF has provided additional capacity to have three spinal surgeries carried out in Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital. On a national level the HSE are engaging in a procurement exercise to look at orthopaedic consumables on a national level.

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 597: To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has been on an ear, nose and throat waiting list for the past three years will be seen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18642/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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While the management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned, the Special Delivery Unit will have a major role in addressing this issue. I have, therefore in the interim, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for reply.

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.