asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each health board area awaiting heart by-pass surgery; the average length of delay for such surgery; the average cost of each operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Heart By-Pass Surgery.
34.
There is a total of 493 persons awaiting heart by-pass surgery broken down by health board as follows:
|
Eastern Health Board |
195 |
|
Midland Health Board |
52 |
|
Mid-Western Health Board |
32 |
|
North-Eastern Health Board |
43 |
|
North-Western Health Board |
22 |
|
South-Eastern Health Board |
58 |
|
Southern Health Board |
60 |
|
Western Health Board |
31 |
It is not possible to give the average waiting period for such surgery as it varies significantly from one hospital to another. There is a regular assessment of those on the waiting list and priority is always given to emergency cases. The average cost of by-pass operations is £4,000 for adult cases and £6,000 for paediatric cases.