Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

670 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for hip operations in Cappagh Hospital, Dublin 11, and St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1852/01]

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

728 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for a hip operation in St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, and Cappagh Hospital, Dublin. [2357/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 728 together.

The waiting times for hip operations in Cappagh Hospital, in the format collected by my Department at 30 September 2000, the latest date for which figures are available, was 185 people waiting for between three to 12 months and 68 people waiting for over 12 months. Partial hip replacement operations are carried out at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4. Details of the waiting times for these procedures at St. Vincent's Hospital are not available from the waiting list data collected by my Department.

It is my intention to pursue continual reductions in waiting lists and waiting times for hospital treatment in 2001 following the significant success experienced in this area last year. Dedicated funding for waiting list procedures of £34 million was allocated in 2000 to health agencies to enable hospitals to carry out waiting list procedures. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that £34.5 million has been allocated to health agencies under the waiting list initiative for 2001.

Question No. 671 answered with Question No. 516.