Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 454: To ask the Minister for Health the current waiting list for ankle replacement surgery at Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28195/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am determined to address the issues which cause unacceptable delays in patients receiving treatment in our hospitals. In this regard I have established the Special Delivery Unit (SDU), which will work to unblock access to acute services by dramatically improving the flow of patients through the system, and by streamlining waiting lists, including referrals from GPs. The SDU is working closely with its partner agencies - mainly the HSE and the NTPF.

As a priority, public hospitals have been instructed to ensure that, by the end of 2011, they have no patients waiting more than 12 months for treatment. Where they fail to do so, the NTPF will source the necessary treatments elsewhere and an appropriate budgetary adjustment will be made. I have made inquiries with the Health Service Executive and I understand that there is one person on the waiting list for ankle replacement surgery at Galway University Hospital.