Hospital waiting lists up 25% since election, says FG

DUBLIN’S hospital waiting lists have grown by 25% since the Coalition came to power in 1997, according to a Fine Gael survey.

The nationwide situation looks little better, as it will now take an estimated 20 years to clear waiting lists.

The Fine Gael figures reveal there are 18,338 adults and children waiting for in-patient and day treatment at the Eastern Regional Health Authority’s 13 hospitals. This compares to just 14,215 back in 1997.