Jim Higgins
Question:149 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently awaiting surgery for heart bypasses, heart/lung transplants, hip replacements, and cataracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Patients Awaiting Surgery.
Waiting lists are a feature of all health systems throughout the world and this will continue given the infinite demands which will be made on finite resources. The success of new techniques and forms of treatment which has improved the quality of life for many patients has, however, led to increasing demands being placed on the health services with a consequent effect on waiting lists and waiting times. Waiting lists are kept under review and priority is given to urgent cases. If a patient's condition is causing concern, it is open to his or her general practitioner to contact the consultant concerned with a view to expediting matters.
The latest information available to my Department regarding waiting lists for heart by-pass surgery, hip replacement operations and cataract operations is set out in the following table. The numbers waiting for treatment should be viewed in the context of the number of such procedures carried out annually.
|
Procedure |
Waiting List |
Estimated Annual Throughput |
|
(i) Heart by-pass surgery |
886 |
700 |
|
(ii) Hip replacement operations |
1,658 |
2,300 |
|
(iii) Cataract operations |
2,260 |
4,300 |
Heart/lung transplants are not carried out in this country. Patients requiring this treatment are referred abroad for surgery. There is no waiting list for this procedure although patients may have to wait for some time before suitable donor organs become available.