asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that total hip replacement operations can only be carried out at Merlin Park Hospital, County Galway, for about six months of the year due to the high temperature in the theatre; and if so, the action he proposes to take to provide proper theatre conditions for total hip replacements there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Hip Replacement Operations.
2.
I am aware that total hip-replacement operations are not carried out at Merlin Park Hospital during the summer months, due to high temperatures in the theatre. I have been informed by the Western Health Board that such operations are carried out at the hospital for about eight months in any year and sometimes longer, depending on the temperatures recorded.
I am concerned about this situation and during recent months I have been exploring possible solutions to this problem with the Western Health Board. I will communicate with the Deputy again when a decision has been made on the most appropriate way to resolve this situation.
When will the Minister be in a position to announce a decision?
Several months ago I discussed the matter with the CEO. The existing ventilation equipment is inadequate and it has been recommended to us that there should be a more effective air conditioning system in the theatre complex. I am considering this in the context of our capital programme. I am anxious that these four months should not be lost for orthopaedic operations in Merlin Park. The working conditions there have been uncomfortable for those operations. The theatre is good and the staff are excellent but because of the inadequate ventilation system the temperature in summer months becomes excessive.
I am aware that the Chair is concerned about the length of time it takes to get through health matters at Question Time but the Minister has failed to answer the question I put to him about the conditions in the Merlin Park theatre. I appreciate the valuable information he gave me but he did not tell the House if he will allocate money for this work next year or when the work will be carried out.
I expect that quite early in the new year I will be able to approve proposals to resolve that issue.