Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

22. To ask the Minister for Health his proposals to ensure that the affected children can complete their orthodontal treatment in the orthodontal clinic in Louth County Hospital, following the resignation of their orthodontist. [25553/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE has been asked to investigate this matter and has confirmed that recruitment to fill current orthodontist vacancies to the orthodontic service in Louth is ongoing. In addition, the existing national procurement framework which is supporting the transfer of patients to private care, supported by additional funding which I have made available, has been extended which will allow some patients to be transferred to contracted orthodontic service providers. This initiative supported over 2,000 additional patients to access orthodontic treatment in 2023 nationally, and is targeting a further additional 500 patients access to services in 2024.

To provide additional support while permanent recruitment is progressing, the HSE will be using temporary agency orthodontists. In addition, a specialist orthodontist from another area is providing an additional resource for two waiting list assessment clinics and five treatment clinics during May, June and July.

At present, HSE local management is actively engaged in scheduling appointments for orthodontic patients who have commenced active treatment and are currently waiting to be assigned to an alternative orthodontist. All patients affected have been reviewed over the past number of months. Patients will be further contacted to update them on work to date to continue their care.

My officials will continue to engage with the HSE on this matter, to ensure that patients continue to receive the necessary orthodontic care.