94 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if the appointment of an additional orthopaedic surgeon in Cork has resulted in the easing of the waiting time for hip replacement procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2577/96]

Limerick East): The appointment of a sixth consultant orthopaedic surgeon on a temporary basis has resulted in a significant improvement in the waiting time for hip replacement procedures. A total of 406 hip procedures were carried out at St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital in 1995. The number of patients waiting over one year has been reduced by 30 per cent to 80 patients. This would include cases deferred due to medical complications.

The large backlog of cases on the out-patient lists awaiting consultant appointments has been cleared, and appointments are now arranged within a month or so of referral from a general practitioner.