Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2015
14. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if the 2016 Health Service Executive Service plan will put measures in place to improve the capacity for orthopaedic treatment in the north-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42990/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe trauma orthopaedic service for the North East is provided in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. The elective orthopaedics service for the North East is provided in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, with an outreach clinic in Cavan.
Our Lady's Hospital, Navan provides a regional orthopaedic service for the counties of Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The service includes joint replacements, hip and knee revisions, arthroscopies, and orthopaedic related injections. This year the hospital has undertaken 1,700 orthopaedic procedures from the start of January to end November. The service currently provides for approximately 440 joint procedures per annum.
Any decisions in relation to increased funding for the delivery of additional orthopaedic services will be taken in the context of the extent of revenue funding available and will be determined as part of the 2016 Service Plan and operational plan processes currently underway. Hospitals have authority to implement efficiencies and service improvements which can facilitate the provision of increased services within existing funding levels.
