Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

129. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made since September 2015 in cutting the excessive waiting times being experienced by schoolchildren in the Health Service Executive west region for orthodontic care; the steps being taken to alleviate these excessive waiting times; if he will sanction the appointment of additional staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/16]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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.

The information on the waiting lists for assessment and treatment for HSE West region for Quarter 4 2015 is not yet available. The information for Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 of 2015 is as follows:

Following a national procurement process, a panel of independent practitioners will be contracted by the HSE in the coming weeks to provide treatment for certain categories of misalignment. The practitioners will be under contract over the next three years, with consideration of an extension to four years. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for four years or longer. It is expected that these initiatives will have a positive impact on waiting times.

In addition, a pilot scheme in the Dublin North East area (DNE), which involves up-skilling staff to work as orthodontic therapists is currently underway. One member of the dental hygienist staff and one member of the dental nursing staff completed a one-year training course in September 2015. They are now working in the HSE under the supervision of specialist orthodontists. The scheme is currently undergoing an evaluation, which includes consideration of how the scheme is affecting waiting lists. Figures are currently being collated and early indications are positive. It is planned to extend the scheme nationally after the evaluation has been completed.

The appointment of additional staff is a service matter for the HSE and I have asked them to reply directly to the Deputy on this. 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.