4,000 queue to see orthopaedic consultant in Galway

More than 4,000 people are currently on the waiting list for an outpatient appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant at Galway University Hospital (GUH), according to the latest figures.

The backlog has caused long delays for patients requiring procedures such as hip replacements and spinal surgery in the city’s hospitals. A further 219 patients are on the waiting list at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

The data was provided to Galway West TD Brian Walsh by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in response to a parliamentary question recently submitted to the Minister for Health.

Trauma or emergency orthopaedic care is provided at University Hospital Galway (UHG), while patients requiring elective procedures are treated at Merlin Park Hospital.

Deputy Walsh said long waiting times can compromise outcomes for orthopaedic patients as conditions often worsen if treatment is not provided promptly when required.

“The care provided to patients at Galway University Hospitals is second to none,” he said. “We’re very lucky to have what is arguably the best orthopaedic department in the country and an excellent team of surgeons who have done tremendous work in developing the service here.

“This is an issue of access for patients and an issue of resources for frontline staff,” explained the Fine Gael TD.

“These figures highlight the need to refocus resources on frontline services in the context of the Budget and the HSE Service Plan for the year ahead.

“We need to get back to basics in the health service. Of course, fundamental and far-reaching reform is needed. But this can’t be advanced at the expense of current service users.

“Long-term reform has to be progressed parallel to immediate-term improvements. Universal Healthcare in 2019 will be no consolation for patients who need treatment today,” he added.

Read more in this week’s Connacht Sentinel