Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 31 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 9

Written Answers. - Hip Replacement Operations.

Peter Barry

Question:

219 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of, (a) the number of patients waiting for hip replacement operations in the Southern Health Board region and (b) the average length of time they are waiting; and when it is anticipated the waiting list will be eliminated.

Pearse Wyse

Question:

239 Mr. Wyse asked the Minister for Health the total number of people in the Southern Health Board region currently awaiting hip replacement operations.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 239 together.

The latest information available to my Department is that there are 305 patients awaiting hip replacement operations in the Southern Health Board area. The Southern Health Board have estimated that the average waiting time for hip replacement surgery in its area is 12-18 months.

The admission of a patient to hospital is a clinical decision for the consultant in charge of the case. Waiting lists are kept under review and priority is given to urgent cases. Should a patient's condition be causing concern, it is open to his or her general practitioner to contact the consultant concerned with a view to expediting matters.

The Deputy will be aware that provision has been made in the 1992 Estimates for the implementation of improvements in the Southern Health Board's orthopaedic services. In this context my Department's technical advisers are in discussion with the board in relation to the development of clean air theatre facilities at St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher.