Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will receive an appointment to have an operation to remove cataracts in both eyes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22939/12]

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 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 day case 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.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 19 April 2012, if he will outline which 13 hospitals have landing pads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22946/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE National Ambulance service has informed me that the following hospitals have landing pads.

Letterkenny General Hospital

Sligo General Hospital

Mayo General Hospital

Galway University College Hospital

Merlin Park Hospital, Galway

Limerick Regional Hospital

Tallaght Hospital

Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin

National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin

Waterford Regional Hospital

Mallow Hospital

Bantry Hospital

Tralee General Hospital