Vol. 403 No. 3
33 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the exceptionally long delays in getting appointments with consultant orthopaedic surgeons in the Southern Health Board area; if he intends to take any steps to reduce the waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
While I accept that delays exist for some patients in getting appointments with orthopaedic surgeons in the Southern Health Board area, I must emphasise that priority is given according to medical need with urgent cases receiving early attention. As the Deputy will be aware, I made additional resources available last year to the Southern Health Board to increase the throughput of orthopaedic patients. That increased level of activity is being maintained this year.
