Senator Malcolm Byrne has expressed concern that hospital waiting lists have been growing significantly during the Covid19 lockdown period.

He pointed out that nationally, the numbers waiting for inpatient appointments grew from 66,700 at the end of February to 86,300 at the end of April. In Wexford General Hospital, Senator Byrne drew attention to the fact that the list has more than doubled from 249 people in February to 546 in April. (Figures for May are expected at the weekend).

He said,

“The focus in the health service was rightly on getting ready for an expected surge of Covid19 cases but as we have managed to flatten the curve, the problem of postponed elective surgery and other treatment has come to the fore. These are people waiting for treatment for serious illnesses and diseases as well as operations on hips, knees, cataracts. The delays for surgery or treatment are causing serious discomfort for people.”

“There are beds and medical personnel available. We need to prioritise action for these patients.”