The new 33 bed orthopaedic unit will be a particularly valuable addition to the hospital and of great benefit to the people of Mayo. Funding of €3.9 million has already been provided to the Western Health Board to allow for the opening of the orthopaedic service at Mayo General Hospital.
Currently one consultant orthopaedic surgeon has been recruited by the Western Health Board and took up duty on 1 February 2004. The Western Health Board has informed me that discussions between the orthopaedic staff in Galway and Mayo are continuing in an effort to configure the best use of the facilities at Galway and Mayo. These discussions are taking place within a framework to develop an overall integrated strategic and operational policy for orthopaedic services in the region.
As I have outlined above, substantial funding has already been provided to commission orthopaedic services at Mayo. The Western Health Board is currently in discussion with my Department in relation to commencing orthopaedic services at Mayo General Hospital, particularly in relation to the effect the additional staffing required to commence services will have on the board's current employment ceiling.
I am committed to ensuring that the new orthopaedic services are established at Mayo General Hospital at the earliest possible date.