Long waiting lists causing stress among patients, group claims

SOME patients are taking anti-depressants to deal with the stress having to wait years to see a specialist, a patients’ advocate group claimed yesterday.

The situation was also costing the State more in GP bills as patients became more ill while waiting for their first consultation.

Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patient's Association (IPA) said the Department of Health should find out exactly how many patients were waiting for their first consultation.