Waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery, although generally short, still remain long in some of the bigger hospitals.
According to the most recent Department of Health figures, Tallaght Hospital in Dublin had 120 adults waiting longer than two years for an orthopaedic operation requiring in-patient care. Tallaght also had 79 adults in the 12-24 month category and 143 waiting between six and 12 months, according to the figures from last autumn.
The orthopaedic speciality hospital, St Mary's, in Cappagh, Dublin, had 29 adults waiting more than two years for an operation, 109 waiting between 12 and 24 months and 206 waiting between six and 12 months.
However, the numbers waiting for long periods for treatment has been coming down.
In 2002, there were 186 on the St Mary's, Cappagh, list for longer than 12 months, compared with 138 in 2003. In Tallaght, the 2002 figure was 450 in 2002, compared with 199 in 2003. Beaumont had 77 in 2002, and 42 in 2003.
In most cases, any adult waiting more than six months for a hip or knee operation may apply to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) for assistance. For Beaumont, St Vincent's, Dublin, and James Connolly Memorial Hospital, the minimum waiting period is 12 months.
Patients can be referred to the fund by their hospital, consultant or GP. Alternatively, they can contact the NTPF directly on 1890 720 820 to check whether they are eligible for treatment. The website is www.ntpf.ie