92. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting elective surgery at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, broken down by specialty and waiting time bands; the measures being taken to reduce these waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52249/26]

Sentiment score: -0.13

I thank the Minister for that information and join her in congratulating the Lourdes hospital for getting on top of the issue of waiting lists and for the good work all the staff are doing, led by the new general manager. It goes to show that when there is good management, will and the ability to reduce waiting lists, we can make progress. As the Minister pointed out, they are doing nearly 20% more elective surgeries than last year but the level of staffing is the same. While this is a great success story, I wonder if it is sustainable in the long term. It shows two things clearly. First, they are very efficient but, second, the need in the region is significantly higher than the current model accounts for. Lourdes hospital is a model 3, yet it is performing as if it were a model 4 hospital.

Sentiment score: 0.44

Our Lady of Lourdes serves about 360,000 people in its catchment area at the moment and I believe that is growing rapidly. Going back to the idea that it is effectively a model 4 hospital while being classed as model 3, there is a case for looking at and expanding the services in Our Lady of Lourdes and making it a model 4 hospital. Looking at a map of where model 4 hospitals are in the country, we have them in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and Kilkenny for some services. There is a gap in the north east, considering the catchment of 360,000 people and growing. We are in a position to expand on those services. Staff and management are proving they are up to the task. Will the Minister consider this?

Sentiment score: 0.16