Michael Smith
Question:130 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that patients awaiting hip survey at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, County Limerick are accommodated. [14958/96]
Vol. 468 No. 4
130 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that patients awaiting hip survey at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, County Limerick are accommodated. [14958/96]
246 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting hip replacement surgery in the Mid-Western Health Board area; and the average waiting period for such surgery. [15973/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 246 together.
The success of joint replacement surgery such as hip replacement has led to an upward surge in demand for these services all over the country. The increase in the demand for orthopaedic services has in turn led to demands for an expansion of facilities to cater for this new workload.
A number of measures have been taken to improve access to orthopaedic services for people in Limerick and the mid-west. Phase I of the re-development of Limerick Regional Hospital, which I sanctioned, includes the provision of a dedicated orthopaedic theatre and building work on this project is ongoing. Planning of Phase II of Limerick Regional Hospital is presently in progress and will incorporate a 30 bed orthopaedic ward.