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Ireland's Hospital Waiting Lists Surge by 86,000
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New figures reveal a significant surge in Irelands hospital waiting lists, with over eighty-six thousand additional patients in the past year. By December, nearly nine hundred thousand people were awaiting outpatient clinics or operations, a stark increase from eight hundred eight thousand in 2024. Inpatients and day cases account for over one hundred seven thousand of these waits, with more than eight thousand patients enduring eighteen months or longer. Outpatient lists alone reached six hundred twelve thousand, with rises across all categories. Patient groups express concern, warning of worsening health, increased emergencies, and unequal access due to extended waits. While childrens services saw some progress, adult inpatient delays significantly increased, particularly for those waiting over a year. Hospitals like Galway University lead the lists with over twelve thousand six hundred waiting patients. The Department of Health defends its efforts, highlighting a fifty-eight percent reduction in patients waiting over twelve months since September 2021 and improved average wait times. However, volumes continued to climb throughout most of last year before stabilizing. The real challenge lies in transforming Sláintecares goals into expedited relief for all patients in need.
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