asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the present waiting period for hip replacement surgery for medical card holders in each of the health board areas.
Written Answers. - Hip Replacement Surgery.
152.
It is not possible to answer the Deputy's question fully as separate waiting lists for hip replacement surgery categorised by medical card holders or non-medical card holders, are not maintained in health board areas. The waiting period for hip replacement surgery in most health boards is about two years. This waiting period is not new and has been a feature of the health services in this country and elsewhere for some years. Because of my concern about the waiting period my Department is carrying out a review, at my request, of waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery to establish among other things, the actual waiting period in each health board area.