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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Nov 1988

Vol. 383 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hip Replacement Operations.

29.

asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the very serious situation that has arisen in the North Eastern Health Board area in relation to the waiting list for hip replacement operations; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that because of severe financial restrictions on the Health Board the waiting list, which was operating on a two year basis, has been further delayed and if in view of the pain and suffering that people are encountering in County Louth as a result of this policy he will examine the situation as a matter of extreme urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The waiting list for total hip replacements in the North Eastern Health Board area has not changed very much over the past four years. The number on the list in 1985 was 187; in 1986 the figure rose to 199 and fell to 179 last year. At present there are 217 patients waiting for this operation and close on 200 operations are performed each year in Navan.

I am concerned at the length of time some patients have to wait for this procedure but I am satisfied that the situation in the North Eastern Health Board area will improve in the near future. This will come about as a result of the transfer of responsibility for patients in Counties Longford and Westmeath to the Midland Health Board and the bringing back into use of the second orthopaedic operating theatre in Navan.

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