asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients awaiting orthopaedic treatment at Merlin Park Regional Hospital, Galway, including those on the outpatients waiting list; the length of time those first on the list have been waiting; the estimated date on which those now joining the list will undergo surgery; the present position with regard to a new orthopaedic theatre at Merlin Park, indicating the reasons for the continuing delay and the time scale for its development.
Written Answers. - Patients Awaiting Orthopaedic Treatment.
127.
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in the format requested. However, in so far as the information is available, the position is as set out hereunder.
The total number of people awaiting orthopaedic inpatient treatment at Merlin Park Regional Hospital as at 31 October 1986 was 254. The total number on the orthopaedic outpatient list on the same date was 3,593 persons. The average waiting period for those on the outpatient waiting list is 3.5 to 4 years. The average waiting period for those on the inpatient waiting list before undergoing surgery is two and a half years. I should point out that urgent cases are given priority at both inpatient and outpatient level.
The proposed rationalisation of surgical services in the Western Health Board area will enable the board to provide additional theatre space for orthopaedics at Merlin Park Regional Hospital so that the new theatre block planned for this specialty will not now be needed.