asked the Minister for Health the present waiting list for operations for (a) squint and (b) cataract at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin; and what plans, if any, there are for the expansion of this hospital.
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
458.
At present there is a waiting list of 32 patients for squint operations and 208 patients for cataract operations at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin. I am informed that arrangements have been made by the hospital to operate on 116 of the patients requiring cataract operations during November and December, 1977. Preliminary discussions have taken place between officers of my Department and representatives of the hospital regarding the provision of improved and extended accommodation for the out-patient and casualty Departments and the provision of a new X-Ray Department at the hospital. The hospital is to submit specific proposals for these proposed improvements for my consideration.
459.
asked the Minister for Health the present waiting list of hospital admissions for artificial hip replacement at Cappagh Hospital, County Dublin; and if there are any plans to improve this service.
There are currently 450 patients on the waiting list for hip replacement operation at St. Mary's Hospital, Cappagh.
In August, 1977, I approved of a grant to enable the hospital to install a second sterile enclosure to the operating theatres. I have also approved the appointment of an additional orthopaedic surgeon at Cappagh.
The hospital recently submitted a proposal to my Department for the provision of additional adult beds and operating facilities at the hospital; this is under consideration in my Department.
Developments in other areas should also help to improve the overall situation. The appointment of additional orthopaedic surgeons in Galway, Kilcreene, and Sligo (2) have been approved and competitions for the filling of the four posts are proceeding.
A second theatre is being provided at the Orthopaedic Unit in Navan and a new 60-bed Orthopaedic Unit will be built at Sligo General Hospital within the next two years.
Proposals from the Federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals to centralise their orthopaedic beds in Dr. Steevens's Hospital are under consideration in my Department. This proposal would result in 20 extra orthopaedic beds becoming available. Discussions are proceeding about this matter. I recently agreed to provide a grant for a new theatre suite at Dr. Steevens's Hospital, work on which will commence during 1978 and will provide an additional theatre which should enable the hospital to undertake more orthopaedic surgery.
Last May, Comhairle na nOspidéal published a discussion document on the development of orthopaedic services in the country generally. The recommendations of the Comhairle are at present under consideration in my Department.