Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 9 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to tackle waiting lists in orthopaedic surgery; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to tackle waiting lists in orthopaedic surgery; and if he will make a statement. [154599] Angela Smith: A number of initiatives are being taken to reduce the length of time people are waiting for orthopaedic surgery. These include: Increasing the number of trainees in this specialty. A review of acute trauma services, which is underway at present. This review is expected to make recommendations for improvements in the delivery of trauma services and will provide strategic direction in the future development of the orthopaedic/fracture service. The building of two new modular theatres for Musgrave Park Hospital. This has increased theatre capacity, which will improve fracture services, stabilise and reduce waiting lists and facilitate the mix of elective, trauma and out-patient work of consultant orthopaedic surgeons. The appointment earlier this year at Green Park Health and Social Services Trust of a waiting list manager and the establishment of a centralised waiting list team. The increase in waiting times in recent years reflects a general rise in demand on the orthopaedic service and there is a considerable commitment and determination to deal with it.

Secondary information