Urology waiting times in Waterford
Deputy Mattie McGrath complained that a constituent’s wait for a urologist at University Hospital Waterford had risen from 48 to 51 months. The Taoiseach said the issue could be addressed without the Bill and that legislation would come later in the year.
I refer to the health information and patient safety Bill. Three weeks ago I made representations to University Hospital Waterford on behalf of a constituent wishing to see a urologist. I was told at that time the waiting time for a consultant was 48 months. Today, less than three weeks later, I have been told the waiting time for the same consultant is now 51 months and growing. That equates to four and a quarter years. Patients are dying through neglect. When will we see some bit of reality or humanity introduced? People are waiting for 51 months for an appointment to get checked out, leading to worry, stress and trauma for families and everybody else affected by the sickness. It is just not acceptable.
