Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-16
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Frankie Feighan (FG), Sligo-Leitrim

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and take this opportunity to confirm that the Government is absolutely committed to further strengthening orthopaedic services for all patients in line with Sláintecare. This is illustrated, as the Deputy will probably agree, in the significant funding increase South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital Cork has received over the past number of years. Additionally, the Waiting Time Action Plan 2026 and surgical hub programme demonstrate the Government's commitment to reducing waiting times and increasing care capacity for patients in the region and nationwide. Under the waiting time action plan, outsourced initiatives are in place for suitable patients waiting the longest on South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital’s outpatient waiting list.
To support timely access to orthopaedic services the hospital is running additional clinics at the weekends and evenings and where clinically suitable, patients are offered physiotherapy services while awaiting appointments with a consultant.
Lastly, additional theatre capacity will shortly become operational and will further allow for additional sessions each week. I assure the Deputy that the Government, HSE and the HSE South West region remain committed to improving the service for patients of the regions. I understand the Deputy has been engaging directly with the Minister's office and the Minister on this case and I am happy to follow up with the Minister and her office to ask them to engage directly with him again. I thank him for his great work and vigilance in trying to ensure people get the best possible care in his constituency and hospital. I assure the Deputy that the HSE and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital are committed to reducing waiting times for orthopaedic services. The delivery of high-quality patient-centred care is best practice and remains at the centre of all hospital activity.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-16