Written answers
Thursday, 18 December 2014
Department of Health
Orthodontic Service Waiting Lists
Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
352. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48826/14]
Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
353. To ask the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to address the large waiting lists for orthodontic treatment in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48827/14]
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I propose to take Questions Nos. 352 and 353 together.
The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. It should be noted that the nature of orthodontic care means that immediate treatment is not always desirable. It is estimated that in up to 5% of cases it is necessary to wait for further growth to take place before treatment commences. Patients are assessed by the HSE Orthodontic Service under the modified Index of Treatment Need. Patients with the greatest level of need are provided with treatment by the HSE.
Information on waiting times is collated by the HSE by region and for the intervals as shown below. The waiting times for orthodontic treatment in the Western region at the end of Quarter 3 2014 are as follows:
| Waiting time from assessment to commencement of treatment | 1 - 6 months | 7 - 12 months | 13 - 24 months | 25-36 months | 37-48 months | Over 48 months | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSE West | 1,206 | 1,218 | 1,443 | 1,153 | 124 | 48 | 5,192 |
In addition to the services provided by HSE staff, orthodontic treatment for certain categories of misalignment will be provided by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years. A national procurement process is currently underway and is due to be ready for commencement in January 2015. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for 4 years or longer. It is expected that this initiative will have a positive impact on waiting times.
I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly on the specific issues you have raised on orthodontic treatment in County Galway. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
No comments