Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Health the reason elective orthopaedic procedures at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital have ceased for the period 12 September to 12 December 2012; the impact these actions will have on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51455/12]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Health the reason two newly appointed Orthopaedic Surgeons do not have access to an elective surgery list at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, despite the fact that a newly refurbished theatre appears to lie idle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51456/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 620 together.

The funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Health the cost to run the urgent care centre at St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital Gurranabraher, Cork; the number of patients seen and the cost per patient; his views on the value for money that this current service represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51457/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. I have therefore requested the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.