Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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398. To ask the Minister for Health the number of orthopaedic surgeries scheduled for Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway, that have been cancelled from 1 January 2017 to date due to problems with the roof in the theatre; the length of time the theatre will be closed for; the estimated future number of cancellations while the theatre is closed; the number of persons affected by this issue who are from County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43966/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On Wednesday 4 October, I met with the Saolta Hospital Group Management, representatives of the consultant orthopaedic surgeons at the Hospital, HSE Acute Hospitals and Estate Divisions as well as local T.D.s to discuss the next steps in addressing the issue.

The Saolta Group has advised that it is working with the orthopaedic surgeons and staff of the Hospital and more widely across Galway University Hospitals to implement solutions pending completion of the repairs.

Interim solutions being progressed include: utilising additional bed capacity at University Hospital Galway to enable some further elective procedures to be carried out; engaging with local private hospitals regarding the potential to access theatre capacity to carry out orthopaedic surgery; and engaging the hospitals within the Saolta Group, in other Hospital Groups and the NTPF regarding capacity at other hospitals.

Furthermore, the Saolta Group and HSE Estates are working to progress the deployment of a mobile theatre unit at Merlin Park Hospital as quickly as possible.

The Saolta Group and HSE have committed to provide a contingency plan that deals with service demand.

I acknowledge the upset that this suspension of service has caused the patients affected and their family. The Saolta Group and the HSE have assured me that they are committed to resolving the issue as quickly as possible. In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.