As noted in my response on 30 September to your previous Parliamentary Question in relation to Cappagh Hospital, the hospital has advised that it has experienced unprecedented increase in demand for in-patient treatment throughout 2014. The cumulative effect of a reducing allocation, cessation of NTPF funding and reduction in income in 2014 has limited surgical capability.
Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital has a total of seven operating theatres. I have been advised that, while there is sufficient consultant staff available to provide services to meet demand requirements, not all theatres have been in use in 2014. This is a factor of both financial capability and availability of suitably qualified nursing staff for theatre. In terms of access, urgent patients continue to be prioritised and Cappagh Hospital has advised that due to strict chronological booking policies, all patients attending the hospital are being offered dates for surgery based on their waiting time to surgery with due regard to clinical categorisation.
I understand that the HSE is in active engagement with Cappagh hospital to examine and agree options for optimising the available theatre resources and to ensure patients have timely access. I have also been advised that day case and outpatient 2014 activity targets will be achieved this year and it is expected that Cappagh will be in a position to carry out additional activity before year end. I am also meeting with the Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital shortly to explore with them mechanisms to ensure optimal use of resources at the hospital. In relation to the query raised I have asked the HSE to provide you with the number of orthopaedic procedures by type that have been carried out at Cappagh Hospital for the years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and projected for 2014 and the amount of funding provided to the hospital for each of those periods. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my private office and they will follow up the matter with them.
