Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 599: To ask the Minister for Health the likely effect on the number of persons on trolleys overnight at Cavan General Hospital if the Health Service Executive's proposal to close the minor injuries unit at Monaghan General Hospital between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays goes ahead in view of the fact that there are on average 15 patients on trolleys at Cavan Hospital at 8 a.m. every morning because no bed manager is currently employed at night at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27123/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE is planning to change the opening time of the Minor Injuries Unit at Monaghan to an 8 hour 5 day service and expects that this will take effect from 1 November. This change is to be viewed as a temporary measure and will be reviewed in 2012.

The change in the opening times of the Monaghan MIU is the direct result of the current budgetary and financial position facing the health system. The HSE has reviewed other possible options to save money and/or increased revenue, but has concluded that they would not generate sufficient savings in the short term. Following a detailed analysis of this issue, the HSE has estimated that total full year savings of almost €400,000 would be generated with this alteration of opening hours.

I have emphasised to the HSE the need to ensure that the impact of such changes to patients is minimised and that all changes are fully communicated. I understand that arrangements, which include staff redeployments and a communications plan, are being put in place by the HSE in relation to this change.

The HSE does not anticipate that this change will have an effect upon the number of patients awaiting admission to an in-patient bed in Cavan General Hospital as the patients treated in the MIU are patients with minor injuries only and would not require admission to an in-patient bed.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 600: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that persons who have been recalled as a result of the De Puy hip replacement recall are experiencing in the revision process and that many of these patients continue to be left in pain; if he will ensure that these procedures which are as a result of a faulty product are carried as quickly and painlessly as possible, as is not currently the situation; the number of patients who have been recalled as a result of this fault and the number of patients who continue to wait for the corrective procedure; if he will examine the delays being experienced by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27148/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the De Puy ASR recall, the HSE has identified approx 3, 500 patients who have received the affected implants - across 16 public and 14 private Hospital sites nationally. All patients were invited for a recall assessment to clinically assess their current medical status with regard to their implant.

For the vast majority of patients, this was a precautionary assessment, and in a small percentage of cases, there was a requirement for further treatment and possibly surgery.

113 revision surgeries have been carried out, with a further 22 scheduled at this point in time.

Given the nature of hip replacement care, revisions will continue to be carried out over the coming years, based on individual clinical status and need. Patients who are experiencing pain are prioritised as a matter of course.

Any required care is being provided to patients without cost to them. De Puy has committed to cover the reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment associated with the recall.

With regard to the case referred to in the Deputies question, the person has co-existing medical conditions which required attention. Whilst the treating surgeon is currently on annual leave, the treating site has confirmed that a date has been scheduled for the persons surgery and the patient will be contacted shortly in this regard.

The HSE is anxious to liaise with any affected patient with regard to any queries arising, to ensure that any emerging issues are promptly addressed.