asked the Minister for Health his views on the closure of two wards at Sligo General hospital resulting in considerable delay in orthopaedic patients receiving the surgical treatment which they urgently require; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Sligo General Hospital.
60.
The provision of hospital services in Sligo General hospital is a matter for the North Western Health Board in the first instance. I understand from the board that, as occured in 1985, no elective surgery will be carried out in the orthopaedic unit at the hospital during the main holiday periods. As a result, 22 beds will be closed temporarily in that unit from 29 June to 9 August, and during the Christmas period. Emergency and trauma cases will not be affected, and the remaining 30 beds in the unit will be used for those cases.