The Irish Patients Association claims the current average wait time for surgery at the region’s main hospital is an ‘achievement’ given the level of overcrowding at the Emergency Department.
Currently, over 38,000 adults are waiting to see a consultant at University Hospital Limerick, with an average wait time of 11 months for the first appointment.
However, if surgery is deemed necessary, patients typically only wait less than four months for the procedure.
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Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients Association says given that cancelling elective surgery is used a safeguarding measure at the hospital to free up beds, maintaining timely access to surgery is something to be commended.
Listen back to the full interview here:
