asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that over 50,000 people around the country are awaiting elective orthopaedic operations in public hospitals; and if he will outline the plans, if any, he has to reduce the long waiting period for these operations.
Written Answers. - Elective Orthopaedic Surgery.
127.
There have been lengthy waiting lists for elective orthopaedic surgery for many years, not least because of the success of these operations. However the figures quoted by the Deputy do not bear any relation to the real situation.
The latest information available to me is that there are approximately 7,000 persons on the waiting lists. Improved facilities have been provided in a number of hospitals for orthopaedics in recent years.
I have already stated that I intend keeping the situation under review to ensure that people who urgently need an operation receive it and I am at present having discussions with a number of parties on ways and means of reducing the waiting lists.