IT is unacceptable that vulnerable patients are being forced to wait nearly five years for hip replacement operations, Sinn Féin’S Martina Anderson has said.
The Foyle MLA was commenting after raising the case of a local constituent waiting on a total hip replacement.
Said Martina Anderson: “When I raised the case with the local health trust I was informed that the waiting time for routine total hip replacement operations is 248 weeks.
“That is incredible.
“It equates to nearly five years and while we all understand the pressures on the health service and budget due to COVID-19, such a waiting time is simply unacceptable.
“Many of those waiting for hip operations are older and more vulnerable people. Often, they cannot afford to pay for private procedures and they should not be forced to endure such an intolerable wait for the surgery they require.
“Our health service has been going through an unprecedented pressure and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the healthcare heroes who have been on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.
“However, the Health Minister Robin Swann still has a responsibility to ensure vital services continue, particularly for the most vulnerable.
“I will be raising this issue directly with him and making it clear that a wait of 248 weeks for crucial operations is simply wrong and needs to be redressed.
