Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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Question 510: To ask the Minister for Health if and when the special delivery unit inspected the emergency department at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth; the recommendations the unit issued to management at the hospital; when those recommendations will be implemented; and if he will ensure that the report of the SDU is made publicly available. [28692/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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On the 2nd June I established the Special Delivery Unit. This is a key commitment, under the programme for Government, to tackle waiting times in our health system. The Government believes that, despite our economic circumstances, there is scope for real and sustainable improvement of waiting times for patients, provided we put the proper information management systems in place and there is real accountability for delivering the improvements.

The SDU is working closely with the HSE to support performance management. As part of that work, the SDU is establishing an infrastructure based on information collection and analysis, hospital by hospital. Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda will be included under the scope of the performance monitoring by the SDU.

Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 511: To ask the Minister for Health when an operation will be carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will expedite a response. [28707/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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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. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies - mainly the HSE and the NTPF.

As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made.

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 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 and facility involved.

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 512: To ask the Minister for Health the number of cardiothoracic surgeons currently employed in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; the number of persons on the waiting list to see a surgeon; and the average waiting time. [28730/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.