94 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the North-Western Health Board has introduced a policy at Sligo General Hospital of closing the female surgical ward and the ophthalmic ward at weekends; if the number of ophthalmic and surgical procedures at Sligo General Hospital have been reduced as a result of the weekend closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19049/96]

Limerick East): The North-Western Health Board has introduced five day wards in the surgical and ophthalmic wards in Sligo General Hospital. Five day wards are regarded internationally as an effective and efficient way of delivering an elective in-patient service. The number of elective procedures carried out at Sligo General Hospital has not been reduced as the majority of elective procedures are scheduled from Monday to Friday.

The North-Western Health Board envisages that appropriate planning and scheduling of elective admissions will ensure that the number of surgical procedures for 1996 will not be less than the number of procedures performed in 1995. The board has further stated that overall planned service levels for 1996 will be achieved.