asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a senior orthopaedic surgeon at Cork Regional Hospital has not been replaced; that there are only four orthopaedic surgeons in Cork for a population of nearly half a million people; and that there are delays of two years for children awaiting surgery; and the steps he proposes to remedy the situation.
Written Answers. - Consultant Orthopaedic Post Vacancy.
62.
I am aware that a fifth consultant orthopaedic post in Cork is vacant in the Southern Health Board. The board have not applied to my Department or Comhairle na nOspidéal to fill the post.
I am aware that delays have arisen in the provision of elective orthopaedic surgery for certain children in the Southern Health Board area. As the Deputy is aware, the organisation of the orthopaedic service and the filling of the vacant post of consultant othopaedic surgeon is primarily a matter for the Southern Health Board which must have regard to competing priorities and the resources at its disposal.