Written answers
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Department of Health
Orthodontic Services
9:00 pm
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients currently waiting for orthodontic treatment here; the average and longest length of wait; if he will provide a breakdown of same per Health Service Executive area; and the comparative figures for 2010 and 2011. [30666/12]
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need, i.e. Grade 5 or Grade 4 are provided with treatment by the HSE. Some figures are unavailable due to staff shortages in some areas. This issue is being addressed by the HSE and it is expected that figures from all areas will be available from later in the year.
The most recent information available is for the first quarter of 2012. This is set out in the following table, together with comparative figures for end 2011 and end 2010.
| Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2012 | ||||
| Area | Grade 5(formerly Category A) | Waiting Time(Months) | Grade 4(formerly Category B) | Waiting Time(Months) |
| South Western | 505 | n/a | 693 | n/a |
| Mid-Leinster | 441 | n/a | 456 | 36 |
| Midland | 175 | 16 | 980 | n/a |
| Northern/North Eastern | 1,375 | 5 | 1,519 | |
| South Eastern | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Southern | 381 | n/a | 1,496 | 18 |
| Western | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mid Western* | 1,252 | 24 | ||
| North Western | 332 | 12 | 219 | 21 |
* combined waiting list
Information for 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
| Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2011 | ||||
| Area | Grade 5(formerly Category A) | Waiting Time(Months) | Grade 4(formerly Category B) | Waiting Time(Months) |
| South Western | 504 | 14 | 537 | 26 |
| Mid-Leinster | 446 | 24 | 419 | 36 |
| Midland | 172 | 16 | 819 | 36 |
| Northern/North Eastern | 857 | 5 | 2,175 | |
| South Eastern | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Southern | 373 | n/a | 1,575 | 18 |
| Western | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mid Western* | 1,148 | 24 | ||
| North Western | 256 | 12 | 212 | 20 |
* combined waiting list
| Orthodontic Treatment Waiting List 2010 | ||||
| Area | Grade 5(formerly Category A) | Waiting Time(Months) | Grade 4(formerly Category B) | Waiting Time(Months) |
| South Western | 549 | 16 | 658 | 27 |
| Mid-Leinster | 18 | 899 | 36 | |
| Midland | 310 | 9 | 714 | 27 |
| Northern/North Eastern | 1,208 | 12 | 1,216 | 48 |
| South Eastern* | 1,397 | 27 | ||
| Southern | 151 | n/a | 2,842 | 36 |
| Western | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mid Western* | 1,103 | 24 | ||
| North Western | 260 | 12 | 297 | 32 |
* combined waiting list
Statistics on the longest waiting times are not routinely collected. The HSE has been asked to collate the data sought as soon as possible and this information will be provided to the Deputy when available.
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