This Is How Many Patients Are On Medical Waiting Lists In Ireland Right Now

The Irish Patients Association are urging for the public sector to acknowledge the current 'crisis mode' happening in Irish hospitals, and asking for medical assistance - whether involved in the public or private sector - to become available for those waiting. 

According to the latest data for July from the National Treatment Purchase Fund - almost 687,000 patients are currently waiting for treatment in Ireland's public hospitals - with the exact number being 686,997.

The longest waiting lists are currently in Galway University Hospital, University Hospital Waterford and the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

Róisín Shortall, Social Democrats co-leader went on to criticise the Taoiseach and the Minister For Health for their 'little sense of urgency' about the growing problem.

"Yet for people who depend on the public health system, things are getting progressively worse by the month. There is little sense of urgency on the part of the Taoiseach or the Minister for Health about the fact that so many people are denied access to critical services, resulting in huge human suffering and distress, and in some cases, avoidable death.”

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