PRESS RELEASE

22/02/2006

Kelleher to raise Cork’s ‘chronic’ orthodontic waiting list in Dáil

Cork North-Central Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher is to raise in the Dáil the ‘chronic’ four-year waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the Health Services Executive (HSE) southern region.

Deputy Kelleher, assistant Government chief whip, said it was ‘unacceptable’ that 4,000 people are awaiting assessment for orthodontic treatment in the HSE southern region while some 3,500 are awaiting treatment.

‘I have requested an adjournment debate in the Dáil about dramatically cutting these waiting times. Clearly, we need to appoint another public orthodontist in the region. It is not enough that Dr Ian O’Dowling has to handle all the cases in St Finbarr’s Hospital in Cork himself. It leaves thousands of patients - the majority of them teenagers - without proper orthodontic care.

‘We are all aware of the psychological hurt dental problems can cause young people. Many mothers have told me that their children have been teased and bullied at school. That can have a serious impact on their self-esteem and scar them for life. We cannot allow these ridiculous waiting times to persist and I would urge the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, to step in with positive action,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

The Fianna Fáil TD said the HSE, in accordance with the Health Act 2004, is responsible for managing and delivering health and personal social services, including the orthodontic services.

Nationally, more than 7,000 extra patients are getting treatment now compared to four years ago. Thirteen additional orthodontic specialists have joined the HSE since October. Now, almost half the orthodontists in Ireland are working in the public health services managed by the HSE.

‘Despite these improvements, no one should have to wait any longer than necessary for clinically needed orthodontic treatment - and certainly not for four years. I am appealing to Minister Harney to come up with solutions to the chronic waiting times in the southern region. At the very least, we need another orthodontist based in Cork where far too many patients are awaiting urgent specialist treatment for far too long,’ said Deputy Kelleher.

ENDS