asked the Minister for Health when he will be in a position to sanction the provision of a second operating theatre in Merlin Park Orthopaedic Hospital, Galway; and if he is aware that the lack of this facility is causing a continual increase in the surgical orthopaedic waiting list.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Hospital Facilities.
29.
The building of a second orthopaedic theatre in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, was approved some time ago.
Due to the many demands on the limited capital funds available for hospital improvements schemes it was not possible to allow it to proceed in 1975. However, the project is being considered for inclusion in the capital programme for 1976.
I understand that the waiting list for orthopaedic operations at Merlin Park Hospital has increased within the past year or two. I am aware of the need for a second theatre to cope with the increasing demand for orthopaedic surgery, particularly for joint replacement operations, due to the success of this type of operation in recent years.