John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank Deputy English for raising this matter. I will be taking the matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

The Department of Health and Children is advised by the Health Service Executive that the orthopaedic department in our Lady's Hospital Navan, which performs elective orthopaedic procedures, will not be admitting patients for the month of December.

The Health Service Executive has advised that each year, before, during and after Christmas, there is a reduction in demand for elective orthopaedic services, such as hip replacements, in Our Lady's Hospital. Last year the orthopaedic unit closed completely for the month of December.

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