Waiting Periods For Orthodontic Services Must Be Reduced
Thursday, 12 January 2012
LOCAL Laois/Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has said that waiting times for orthodontic treatment in County Offaly must be reduced. Deputy Flanagan raised his concern about the services with the Minister for Health and subsequently received a reply on the matter.
‘I raised the matter of Orthodontic treatment in County Offaly with Dr Reilly on a number of occasions. As it stands there is a two and half year waiting list in Tullamore for Orthodontic treatment.
This is completely unacceptable and the root of the problem appears to be as a result of staffing issues. A number of Orthodontists have reduced their sessions, one dental nurse has retired and another dental nurse has left the service to move to another post,' he said.
‘I have asked the HSE about reviewing their services and the Area Manager has assured me that he has held meetings with the Orthodontic Team in the Midlands to consider their work practices and explore other initiatives that would increase capacity and thus reduce these incredible waiting times.
‘I have been assured these initiatives include centralising the management of waiting lists, minimising the need for travel by clinicians between the different centres in the Midlands and also a reduction in the waiting time for assessments so as to inform the parents or patients with regard to their eligibility for Orthodontic treatment.
‘In this instance I commend the work of the HSE with regard to their revised plan for the Midlands Orthodontic Service, however I will continue to keep a close eye
on matters in the meantime. I expect that the HSE will have a detailed plan on service capacity ready by the end of January and I look forward to reviewing it,' said Deputy Flanagan.
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