Large number of operations postponed

A total of 221 operations falling under the headings of general surgery, paediatrics, ENT, urology, neurosurgery and plastic surgery were postponed between January and April this year because of overcrowding at St Luke's Hospital.

Health Minister Louis Deguara, who gave the figures, said that an average 12 major surgeries per week in the Orthopaedic Department also had to be postponed. These postponements, which had been planned beforehand, started on January 9.

No operations were cancelled. All the patients are being given new appointments.

The minister, who was replying to questions in Parliament by Adrian Vassallo (MLP) said that the list of non-urgent operations totals 354 for hip replacement and 948 for knee replacement. Waiting time is of about two years, depending also on the patients' medical condition and the availability of consultants.

Dr Deguara said 3,117 persons are awaiting ophthalmic operations. Waiting time is between 18 and 30 months.