The number of hip replacement operations carried out so far in 1993 in the Southern Health Board area is 189. As part of the £20 million major action programme on hospital in-patient waiting lists, the Southern Health Board will receive funds of £1,736,500 in respect of an additional 1,370 procedures. This includes provision for an additional 340 hip replacement operations at St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher and Tralee General Hospital, bringing the projected number of hip replacement operations in the Southern Health Board area in 1993 to 709. The increased activity permitted by the major action programme on waiting lists will reduce the average waiting time for patients.
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. If the patient's condition is causing concern, she should contact her general practitioner who would be in the best position to stress the urgency of the case to the consultant concerned with a view to expediting matters.
