Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1302: To ask the Minister for Health if he will expedite an operation as a matter of urgency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18564/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 were instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they had no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. I can confirm that the vast majority of hospitals achieved this objective. During 2012 the SDU will support hospitals in the delivery of a 9 month maximum wait time for inpatient or daycase surgery.

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.