A NORTHSIDE TD has expressed concern over waiting lists for orthodontic treatment and assessment.
Minister of State at the Department of Health, Kathleen Lynch, supplied figures to Deputy Tommy Broughan that had been compiled by the Health Service Executive (HSE). They show that:
?¢ A total of 6,659 people are awaiting an assessment;
?¢ The majority of these people (5,236) are receiving an assessment within one to six months;
?¢ A total of 16,518 people were awaiting treatment in the second quarter of this year;
?¢ Only around 6,000 people on the waiting list are receiving treatment within one year;
?¢ A total of 4,499 people have been waiting up to two years for orthodontic treatment;
?¢ A total of 4,856 have been waiting between two and four years for treatment;
?¢ A total of 896 have been waiting for over four years.
The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have been assessed and referred before their 16th birthday.
Minister Lynch told Deputy Broughan that the nature of orthodontic care means that immediate treatment is not always desirable.
“It is estimated that in up to five per cent of cases it is necessary to wait for further growth to take place before treatment commences,
? she stated.
Deputy Broughan said he was
“shocked
? that a significant number of patients are waiting very long periods of time for orthodontic treatment.
“I appreciate that in some instances, as the Minister has indicated, that further growth has to take place before treatment can take place,
? he stated.
“However, it appears that there is still a very serious problem in this area with a lack of orthodontists.
?
In a statement to Northside People, Minister Lynch said that while patients with greatest needs are given priority, long waiting times for orthodontic assessment and treatment
“remain a matter of concern
?.
“The HSE commissioned an independent review of orthodontic services in 2012,
? she said.
“The key issue highlighted is that the Orthodontic Service should be fully integrated within the Primary Care Service.
“This will be implemented as part of the HSE’s wider reform programme.
“In addition, over the next three years orthodontic treatment for certain categories of misalignment will be provided by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE.
“A tender process is currently underway and is due to be ready for commencement in January 2015.
?
Minister Lynch said she expects that these changes will have a positive impact on waiting times and on the services available to patients.
“At present some patients in Dublin are being offered treatment places in centres in Dundalk and Navan, where there is capacity to provide treatment sooner,
? she added.
“Should they choose not to avail of this option, treatment will still be provided in Dublin. Most patients (approximately 75 per cent) who are given this option choose to accept it.
?