Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
391. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he has followed through on his recent commitment to increase funding for orthopaedic treatments in hospitals; when this funding is to be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10060/15]
View answerI am pleased to say that additional funding is being made available in the HSE Service Plan for 2015 for the overall development of orthopaedic infrastructure nationally. This will support spinal surgery provision at Tallaght Hospital, emergency spinal surgery provision at the Mater Misericodiae University Hospital, and consultant orthopaedic surgeons at Galway and Cork. There is also provision in 2015 for the opening of current closed and under-utilised capacity at Cappagh Hospital. In relation to scoliosis surgery, the funding will allow for the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff at Crumlin, which will maximise the use of available theatre sessions in the hospital.
