Vol. 471 No. 7
166 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of people awaiting hip replacement operations in the North-Eastern Health Board region; and the number of such operations performed in the regional orthopaedic unit, Navan, County Meath, in 1995 and to date in 1996. [21887/96]
Limerick East): In 1995 the North-Eastern Health Board planned and carried out 180 hip replacements as part of its service plan and budget. An additional 43 hips were contracted as part of the waiting list initiative, making a total of 223 hip replacements. These operations were part of a range of procedures carried out at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. In all, 1,727 orthopaedic procedures were completed in 1995.
In 1996, it is anticipated that 1,810 orthopaedic procedures will be carried out. To date 1,466 procedures have been completed. This includes 171 hip replacements. It is planned to carry out a further 42 hip replacements, making the end of year total 213. The unit is on target to reach this activity level, with the ongoing assistance of the waiting list initiative. There are currently 120 people awaiting hip operations at the regional orthopaedic unit.
