Hospital Appointments Status

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Questions (1036)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1036. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) who has been awaiting a total knee replacement for over five years at Beaumont Hospital; the reason, despite the length of time on the waiting list and the clinical complexity of the case, surgery has still not being scheduled; the steps which are being taken to prioritise long-waiting patients whose quality of life has been severely impacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7715/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.