Vol. 507 No. 2
154 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the theatres in the orthopaedic unit in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, will be closed for the months of July and August in spite of an increase of 75 per cent in the waiting lists in the north eastern area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16574/99]
Target activity levels for orthopaedic procedures at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, as specified in the 1999 service plan will be met. Activity levels are expected to be scaled down during the holiday period to facilitate annual leave for consultants, nurses and paramedic staff. I want to emphasise that this is a scaling down of activity, and not a full closure of the theatres. Necessary refurbishment will also be carried out during the period of scaled down activity. The North-Eastern Health Board expect to carry out the number of procedures specified in their service plan and may even exceed this number.
