Vol. 418 No. 7
192 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Health his views on whether those on the urgent waiting list for hip operations in the Southern Health Board area should have to wait six to eight months for an operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The admission of a patient to hospital for hip replacement surgery is a matter for the consultant in charge of the case. Waiting lists are kept under review and urgent cases are given priority in accordance with medical criteria.
Provision has been made in my Department's capital programme in the current year for a new clean air theatre at St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher. I am confident that this new facility will improve services for orthopaedic patients in the Southern Health Board area.
