asked the Minister for Health the number of applicants for hip operations from each of the counties in the Western Health Board area; the average waiting period for each applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
122.
Written Answers. - Surgery.
121.
andMr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of long delays being experienced by patients requiring the services of orthopaedic surgeons in the Western Health Board area; and the steps he intends taking towards improving the situation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
I am informed by the Western Health Board that at 30th September, 1977, there were 105 persons from County Galway, 89 from County Mayo and 42 from County Roscommon on the waiting list for hip operations. The average waiting period for cases regarded as non-urgent is between two and three years but urgent cases are treated in a much shorter period, as circumstances require.
The number of people referred for hip replacement operations in recent years has greatly increased, due to the success of this type of surgery. Hip operations for patients in the Western and North-Western Health Board areas are carried out at Merlin Park Regional Hospital.
As regards orthopaedic services generally, a second orthopaedic theatre was provided at Merlin Park Hospital last year. Four orthopaedic surgeons are employed at the hospital.
Because of the need for extended orthopaedic services the building of a new 60-bed orthopaedic unit at Sligo General Hospital was approved some months ago. Tenders for this project were invited a few weeks ago and work on the building is expected to commence within the next few months. The provision of this new 60-bed orthopaedic unit at Sligo will relieve some of the pressure on the unit at Merlin Park Hospital.
Pending the building of this new unit the North Western Health Board intend to commence orthopaedic surgery at Manorhamilton County Hospital. Two orthopaedic surgeons are at present being recruited by the Health Board.