asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in December, 1975, there were 250 patients with osteoarthritis on the waiting list at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, for surgery for total hip replacements and that the average waiting time is two years; and if he will state the action being taken to provide additional staff and theatre facilities to reduce the long waiting period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Hospital.
6.
I am informed that there are 226 persons on the waiting list for hip replacement operations in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway. I understand that the average waiting period is nearly two years but urgent cases are admitted more quickly.
The success of this type of operation has created an increased demand for it in recent years. To meet this demand a second orthopaedic theatre for Merlin Park Hospital has been approved but, due to many demands on the limited capital funds available at present for hospital improvements schemes, it has not been possible to allow the work to commence. The matter will be considered further later in this year. I understand that a proposal by the Western Health Board to create two additional posts of orthopaedic surgeon for Merlin Park is being considered by Comhairle na nOspidéal at present.
The Minister gave a different figure to that which I have in the question, and I should like to know if that is implying that the figure that I gave was incorrect?
The Deputy suggested 250 but my information is that there are 226.
I was given the information that there were 250 on the list in December, 1975. Has it been reduced to 226 since then?
I do not know where the Deputy got his information but I am certain that my Department got in touch with the hospital to see how many are on the waiting list. There is a difference of 24.
The information was given to me in the course of a letter from a member of the staff of the health board.
That is a small thing and I can check it.
I am sure the Minister is aware that persons suffering from this complaint can be in excruciating pain and any delay can cause them severe discomfort. Is the Minister aware that the success of the operations dealing with this type of complaint has proved in a way to be a type of miracle operation and that it has relieved many people from the bonds of terrible pain? I should like to know if, in view of his reply which implies that it is not proposed to provide the additional facilities in the near future, the Minister intends to reconsider his decision? Will the Minister give us some hope that progress will be made immediately in providing the additional staff and theatre facilities required in view of the delay of two years and the long list of persons waiting for it? Will the Minister hold out some hope in view of the terrible pain and discomfort people continue to suffer while awaiting action from the Department?
I do not disagree with the Deputy when he describes the condition of people who suffer from this complaint. I explained on several occasions that because of the success of the new method the demand for the operation was growing every day. I am not finding any fault with that, and I am painfully aware that the average waiting period is two years.
Others are suffering the pain.
I know that.
The Minister said he was painfully aware, but not as aware as the patients.
In respect of the hospital in Galway it is possible that it could commence at the end of the year. I can go no further than that.
Does the overall plan for the elimination of this waiting list in Galway include the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon for Sligo General Hospital?
I cannot say specifically for Sligo hospital. Various places deal with this operation.
The Minister mentioned Comhairle na nOspidéal and they recommended that.
The Minister referred to the fact that he was awaiting a report from Comhairle na nOspidéal but, in view of the clear evidence that there is a growing need for this type of operative treatment, is there any reason why the Department should wait for a report or recommendation from Comhairle na nOspidéal? Everybody knows that the waiting list is growing and that there is a great need for the treatment.
In the latter portion of my reply I mentioned that there is a proposal from the Western Health Board for the appointment of two orthopaedic surgeons. The Deputy will realise that Comhairle na nOspidéal will determine what new posts of consultants will be created. The proposal is there and I am awaiting the approval, or otherwise, of Comhairle na nOspidéal.
Could the Department not take action in advance of the recommendation from Comhairle na nOspidéal?
No.
I should like to ask the Minister if, in view of the large catchment area which Merlin Park has to service, it would be possible for patients on the Merlin Park waiting list to have this operation carried out in a hospital in another health board area?
It would be possible but, unfortunately, in most of the orthopaedic hospitals there is a big waiting list. It might not be an advantage to decide to transfer them to some other hospital for the same operation.
Will the Minister have a look at the number of patients in the catchment area for which Merlin Park Hospital is the centre and compare that with the number of patients which the Dublin hospitals are required to cater for? There seems to be a serious imbalance which operates against the Merlin Park Hospital.
I have not information at hand which will show the number of people waiting in Dublin, but as far as I can recall the list is fairly substantial. I believe there is a long-term waiting list.
Will the Minister have a look at this?
I will have a look at it.
I believe the waiting list for Merlin Park is greater than the waiting list in any other hospital. When I asked a question about other health services in the Western Health Board area I was told there was no money. The Western Health Board is starved for finance, and I should like to know if they are getting less money for the schemes they have put forward?
The Deputy is raising another matter.
The board are trying to provide a good service but they are not getting sanction from the Department.
One cannot distinguish at this stage. There is approval for some proposals and non-approval for others.
But is approval held up because of the lack of money? Is money the whole problem?
Money is a big problem. Due to the activities of the members, and the CEO, of that board they did pretty well in recent years. All credit is due to them for that.