I am aware that every aspect of our health service has had to try and do the same, or more, with less. This has only been possible through everyone's best efforts. However, this year is the first year in a long time where the overall health budget has actually increased. I look forward to being in a position, as economic conditions further improve year on year, to continue to press for better resourcing of our health service.
University Hospital Waterford has been no exception to the restraints on acute hospital spending and has had to adjust its service provision to reflect the resources available. In 2013 and 2014, two operating theatres at Waterford were closed, as part of measures to achieve the cost containment required, while continuing to offer as many services as possible within a restricted budget. I am pleased to report that, since January this year, the hospital has been in a position to resolve staffing and resource issues and re-open one of the closed theatres. The hospital now has a dedicated emergency theatre open for four and a half days per week, with additional capacity being provided when necessary. In addition to the emergency theatre, the emergency orthopaedic trauma theatre is available on a 24/7 basis. I am advised that, during the closure, all efforts were made to make the most efficient use of the remaining facilities and that surgical activity still reached 97% or more of the annual target in each year.
