Written answers

Tuesday, 20 November 2018

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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394. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons whose elective orthopaedic procedures have been deferred consequent on the ongoing closure of one orthopaedic theatre at Merlin Park University Hospital Galway by length of time waiting and age in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47894/18]

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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395. To ask the Minister for Health the alternative arrangements in place to treat patients at Merlin Park University Hospital Galway (details supplied); the alternative hospitals to which they have been sent in order for the procedures to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47895/18]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.

Merlin Park University Hospital advises that following the deferral of elective orthopaedic procedures in 2017, the hospital facilitated the transfer of elective sessions to University Hospital Galway, UHG, on a limited basis and with the support of Merlin Park staffing and 8 orthopaedic elective beds. In addition, some minor procedures were undertaken in Hospital 1 Merlin Park. In March 2018, remedial work facilitated the opening of one theatre at Merlin park and this facility provides access to approximately 10 theatre sessions per week and 44 cases per week. Prior to the closure, the Hospital advises that there were 14 staffed sessions per week and approximately 66 cases per week.

Merlin Park University Hospital further advises that they have not referred patients to other hospitals during the closure as they were able to transfer patients to UHG for a limited period and are now using the one operational theatre. Further, when the leak occurred in September 2017 there were 95 patients with dates for surgery whose surgeries were subsequently deferred and then listed in accordance with the availability of elective theatre sessions in UHG. The impact of the closures has been that approximately one third fewer elective operating cases have taken place year on year, with 3,466 cases undertaken from September 2016-2017, and 2,377 cases undertaken from September 2017-2018.

Merlin Park University Hospital advise that they are working towards restoring the full elective orthopaedic service as quickly as possible. The Hospital has also gone to tender for a modular theatre facility which would provide 2 replacement theatres and facilitate 20 sessions per week.

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