North Western Hip Replacement Waiting Times
Mr. Ellis said patients in the North Western Health Board area faced waits of three to five years and asked the Minister to act, prompting a brief political exchange. Dr. Woods asked whether orthopaedic services would retain priority for capital investment, and the Minister assured him they would.
The Minister said that the national average was seven-and-a-half months but I agree that the Minister can make the mistake. In the North Western Health Board area it is a three to five-year waiting period. Will the Minister do something about it?
Comment on this
This has been the case for the last four or five years and Deputy Ellis should have expressed concern before now. The three to five years waiting time did not arise just now but during the term of his Government.
Comment on this
The Deputy will get his wings all right.
Comment on this
Would the Minister agree that this has been a priority area within the Department for capital investment? Will she maintain its priority?
