'Disgraceful' as over 8,000 outpatients await Mayo hospital surgery

OVER 8,000 outpatients are awaiting surgery at Mayo University Hospital, according to new statistics released by the Department of Health.

Mayo Fianna Fáil Lisa Chambers, who was furnished with the information on foot of a parliamentary question, admitted being shocked by the figures.

She described as unacceptable and disgraceful the lengthy outpatient waiting list at the Castlebar facility which shows 8,296 people waiting for surgery with over 3,000 waiting longer than one year.

Deputy Chambers elaborated: “The figures obtained by me from the Minister for Health show huge numbers languishing on waiting lists for various surgeries at Mayo University Hospital.

“The outpatient waiting list is not showing any real signs of improving and the numbers waiting more than 18 months for surgery stands at the shocking level of 2,354.

“This number is the worst we have seen and it represents an increase on last year's figure, clearly demonstrating that the problem is escalating.”

“Those on the list are waiting for various surgeries such as hip and knee replacements which we all know mean the person is living in considerable pain with reduced quality of life as they wait for this vital surgery.

“If someone has been recommended for a joint replacement by their doctor it means they need it now, not in two or three years time.”

Deputy Chambers said she believes the outpatient list hasn’t been made a priority because the conditions to be treated are not life threatening - even though the quality of life the person waiting for surgery enjoys is greatly reduced due to chronic pain.

“Getting a hip or knee replaced can mean the difference between being able to walk or drive the car, simple things that ensure mobility and independence for people.

“This should be a priority for any functioning health service but our health service is not functioning properly and is broken.”

Deputy Chambers, a chief Fianna Fáil negotiator in the new confidence and supply agreement talks with Fine Gael, said her party was successful in securing a €75m. allocation in pre-budget talks to tackle outpatient waiting lists.

“But there is a lot of catching-up to do,” she added.