Surgery cancelled after eight year wait

 

A man who waited eight years for a hip operation in Our Lady's Hospital in Navan is absolutely devastated that it was cancelled just the night before the surgery was due to take place.

Declan Houlihan of Ardee was told by one person he spoke to that his operation was cancelled because the theatre had to be closed.

He had been due to have the operation on Monday of last week, but received a phonecall he night before to tell him it was cancelled

"I don't know what is happening now. I've been told I am at the top of the list, but I have no idea when the surgery will be done," he said.

Declan was so upset and disappointed that he told his story on Joe Duffy's 'Liveline' on Monday.

Declan has been unable to work full time, because of arthritis in his hip, but had two small part time jobs.

"I was told I would have to be off work at least three months, so I finished up with then to have my surgery. One of them were willing to take me back, but I don't know what's happening - if I will have the surgery soon or not," he said.

"I cannot really go back to work now and my partner had taken leave of absence to look after me while I recovered."

Declan explains that his GP referred him to see an orthopaedic consultant in Navan eight years ago.

"I have arthritis in my hip and over the years, had to cut down on the amount of work I was doing, so I could no longer afford health insurance."

He explains that his condition is really bad, but he waited seven years, before he got to see a consultant last November.

He finally got a date for his surgery - Monday 27th August last.

"I had my pre op assessments and every was going to plan.

"On Sunday night, I had just had dinner and my bag was packed when I got a call at 5.40pm to tell me that something had happened in theatre and it had to be closed.

"I have rang them several times since and have been told that it is closed this week for an upgrade.

"I have been up to 90 about it.

"I rang all last week, but, but all I know is that it is closed for an upgrade.

"I am in limbo now. I don't know whether to go back to work. I am still in pain and I don't know what is happening or when I will have my operation," he said.

A spokesperson for the Ireland East Hospital Group said that Our Lady’s Hospital Navan closed their orthopaedic theatre last week, based on advice from the infection prevention and quality control team within the Hospital.

"All efforts are being made to address the issues identified. The theatre was reopened partially  yesterday Tuesday and they’re hopeful it will be fully open today.

"The management and staff of Our Lady’s Hospital Navan would like to sincerely apologise to any patient who was affected by the closure. Anyone who had an operation cancelled will be rescheduled as soon as possible," he said.