Michael Ring
Question:93 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is called for a hip replacement in the immediate future in view of the fact that he is in great pain. [2769/97]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
Limerick East): Inquiries have been made in this matter and I understand that the person concerned has an appointment at the outpatients' department of St. Mary's Hospital, Cappagh, Dublin, on 17 July 1997 with the consultant orthopaedic surgeon. At that stage the consultant will be in a position to assess the condition of the person concerned.
As the Deputy will be aware the scheduling of admissions to hospital is the clinical decision of the consultant concerned and is determined solely on the basis of medical priority. Should this person feel that his condition has deteriorated he should contact his general practitioner who is best placed to highlight the urgency of his condition to the consultant directly.