asked the Minister for Health the total number of patients presently awaiting hospital admission for hip replacement operations, the number of such operations carried out each month, the number of orthopaedic surgeons undertaking this work, the average waiting period, the centres where this operation is carried out, and the proposals, if any, for improving the situation.
Written Answers. - Hip Replacement Operations.
150.
There are 2,018 patients at present awaiting admission to hospitals for hip replacement operations. An average of 135 hip operations are carried out each month. 33 orthopaedic surgeons perform hip replacement operations and also other forms of orthopaedic surgery. The average waiting period for the country as a whole is 13 months.
The information in relation to the centres at which hip replacement operations are carried out is in the form of a statement which I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate with the Official Report.
As regards proposals for improving the situation, I would draw the Deputy's attention to my reply to a question by Deputy John Boland on 22 April, 1980 (Official Report, volume 319, columns 1685 to 1687) in which I gave this information.
Following is the statement:
Centres at which hip replacement operations are performed.
Eastern Health Board area.
St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh, Dublin.
Adelaide Hospital, Dublin.
Jervis Street Hospital, Dublin.
Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Dublin.
Mid-Western Health Board area.
St. Nessan's Hospital, Croom, Co. Limerick.
North Eastern Health Board area.
The Orthopaedic Unit, County Hospital, Navan.
North Western Health Board area.
Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton. This is a temporary Orthopaedic Unit pending the completion of a new 60-bed Orthopaedic Unit at Sligo General Hospital.
Southern Health Board area.
St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher, Cork.
South Eastern Health Board area.
Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital, Co. Kilkenny.
Western Health Board area.
Merlin Park Hospital, Co. Galway.