§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional resources he will make available to ensure that the waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery are reduced; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThrough the Department of Health and Social Services' waiting list initiative, additional funding of £1.2 million was made available in 1991–92 to achieve reductions in long waiting lists, including that for orthopaedic surgery. Additional resources are being provided this year and next for the same purpose.
In addition, over £600,000 has been invested specifically in the development and enhancement of the orthopaedic service since 1989–90.
§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are on the waiting list for orthopaedic surgery in each of the four health and social services boards.
§ Mr. HanleyAt 30 September 1992, 3,324 people were waiting for admission to hospital in the trauma and orthopaedic speciality in the Eastern board and 623 in the Western board.
There are no consultants in trauma and orthopaedics in the Northern or Southern boards and hence no waiting lists.