asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the average waiting period in the Eastern Health Board area for hip surgery is three to four years; and if he has any proposals to improve this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hip Surgery.
4.
The waiting period for such operations in the Eastern Health Board normally is from four months to one year, but in some cases can be as high as three or four years, depending on the waiting list of the hospital or surgeon to which the patient is referred.
As I have mentioned on previous occasions, the success of this type of operation has led to a build up of demand which is reflected in the work load.
The situation in the Eastern Health Board area was improved by the appointment of an additional orthopaedic surgeon to the Mater and Cappagh Hospitals who took up duty in October, 1974.