The total number of adults waiting more than three months for orthopaedic procedures, including hip operations, either as an inpatient or as a day case at 30 September 2003, the latest date that figures are available, is shown in the following table:
Health Agency
|
Number of Adults Waiting for Orthopaedic procedures
|
Eastern Regional Health Authority
|
1,531
|
Midland Health Board
|
99
|
Mid-Western Health Board
|
45
|
North Eastern Health Board
|
300
|
North Western Health Board
|
291
|
South Eastern Health Board
|
112
|
Southern Health Board
|
216
|
Western Health Board
|
429
|
Total
|
3,023
|
The national treatment purchase fund is continuing to target those adults and children waiting longest for treatment. In most instances adults waiting more than six months for an operation and children waiting more than three months will be facilitated by the fund.
As part of a major phase two development at Mayo General Hospital, I have provided funding to begin the development of the orthopaedic service. It consists of a new 33 bed orthopaedic unit and operating theatres. Last month a new orthopaedic consultant took up his appointment.