A number of top orthopaedic surgeons who are past retirement age have been transferred to outpatient clinics, this newsroom has learnt. One of the surgeons has been given an advisory role.

Sources who spoke to this newsroom said that three top surgeons – who have vast experience in the field – were asked to continue to serve on a part-time basis at outpatient clinics.

This comes in the light of “ongoing efforts” by the Health Department to reduce the waiting list of patients requiring full-knee replacement surgery.

Sources explained that although the waiting list has been reduced, there are still hundreds of patients waiting to be operated upon.

 “Although the department is trying to maximise the output, there are still a great deal of patients waiting to be operated upon. Such patients cannot wait for long since their quality of life deteriorates drastically unless they are seen to immediately. This may immobilise a patient who in turn would lose his or her independence,” the source said.

“The health department should consider having these surgeons continue to operate on patients, at least until the waiting list is drastically reduced.”

“Some elderly patients who are waiting for a knee replacement at times cannot bear the pain. They end up practically housebound,” the source concluded.

This newsroom is informed that an expression of interest was issued for surgeons who were willing to do extra sessions of surgery to apply.

Secretariat says post-retirement orthopaedic consultants offering important service at clinics

Asked by this newsroom why the health department had taken a decision to place top surgeons who are past retirement age in outpatients, the parliamentary secretariat for health ministry said: “The issue of waiting lists at the Orthopaedic Department is not the result of a lack of manpower, but as a result of logistical issues. Mater Dei will in the coming weeks enter into a public-private partnership whereas theatre space in private hospitals will be made available to reduce the patients currently in waiting for various surgeries.

“On the other hand a number of post-retirement orthopaedic consultants are offering an important service at the outreach orthopaedic clinics in health centres thereby reducing the outpatient waiting list,” the secretariat said.