The Irish Hospital Consultants Association is warning that more needs to be done to tackle waiting lists at hospitals in Cork.
The association says the "severe" shortage of hospital consultants in Cork and the southern region is driving "unacceptable delays" in patient care and say that shortage and investment in capacity must be addressed urgently.
Over 10,500 people have been waiting more than 18 months for an outpatient appointment at Cork University Hospital, while almost 7,100 people have been waiting the same length of time for an appointment at the South Infirmary, according to figures from the association.
Speaking to RedFM News, Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association Martin Varley, says patients should not have to wait over 18 months for an appointment:
It's not good for patients, because we and our members will be very concerned that the longer you wait, there is a risk that you could deteriorate, that the risk that your outcome wouldn't be as good. Patients can be left in pain and struggling, particularly with knee operations or whatever operations. There can be a risk of cancer. It is a particular type of illness. This is not appropriate. Just put very simply, it's not good for patients. It's not good for the doctors or the staff.
