I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 15 together. The patient in question was notified in April last that he would be called for a hip replacement operation within six months. Unfortunately, the consultant in charge of the patient's case died in May. Despite every effort, it has not been possible for the Western Health Board to obtain the sevices of a locum consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the interim.
The vacant post of consultant orthopaedic surgeon was advertised by the Local Appointment's Commission in August last with a closing date of 17 September 1992. It is expected that interviews will be held shortly and the successful candidates appointed without delay.
I am aware that the waiting list for hip replacement operations has grown since the untimely death of one of the consultant orthopaedic surgeons at the hospital last May. The position is that the three remaining orthopaedic surgeons are concentrating on emegency cases. Should any patients feel that this condition has deteriorated, they should contact their general practitoner who would be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of their case to the hospital directly.