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"Waiting lists for surgery still too long," says Deputy Paul McGrath
Deputy Paul McGrath expressed his disappointment that the waiting time for surgery in Tullamore General Hospital can be more than 12 months and in some cases up to 2 years.
"The figures given by the Midland Health Board for waiting lists is most disappointing," says Deputy McGrath, "when we consider the many ‘waiting list initiatives’ that have been funded by taxpayers’ money."
"Indeed some people are waiting up to 2 years for hip surgery and this is unacceptable," says McGrath. "The pain and discomfort associated with arthritis of the hip is very severe and effects not only the ability to get about and be independent, but also leads to sleeplessness and affects a person’s wellbeing," says McGrath.
"There are currently 107 awaiting hip surgery in this area and 35 of those are waiting more than 12 months.
"While this waiting time is calculated from when the patient is passed as being suitable for surgery, the patient may, in fact, have been waiting many months for an appointment with the specialist," says Deputy McGrath.
"There are 463 adults waiting more that 12 months for ENT treatment while there are 259 children waiting more than 6 months for ENT treatment.
"These figures were revealed at a recent Health Board meeting.
"More needs to be done to eliminate long waiting times for surgery," says McGrath, "and we must ensure that there is equity of access for all of our Health Services."
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