Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hip Replacement Surgery.

Peter Barry

Question:

285 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if there has been any improvement in the waiting period for people requiring hip operations this year in orthopaedic hospitals within the jurisdiction of the Southern Health Board, to that which obtained in the previous four years; and if not, approve additional funds in order to reduce the waiting time.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

Hip replacement surgery in the Southern Health Board area is carried out at St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher and Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry.

The admission of a patient to hospital for hip replacement surgery is a clinical decision for the consultant in charge of the case. Waiting times vary according to the needs of individual patients and priority is given in accordance with medical criteria.

The Deputy will be aware that waiting times are a feature of all modern health systems due to the heavy demands being placed on finite resources. I am pleased to let the Deputy know that 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 permit an increased throughput of orthopaedic patients in the Southern Health Board area.

If a patient's condition is causing concern, it is open to the patient's general practitioner to stress the urgency of the case to the consultant, with a view to expediting matters.