Tough measures to cut waiting lists

HOSPITALS who fail to clear their lists of patients waiting over a year for procedures will have funding pulled, Health Minister James Reilly announced.

He also claimed new evidence was emerging that the ‘winter surge’ in hospitals was occurring not because of more demand for treatment but partly because of disorganised management and staff taking holidays.

Speaking at the MacGill summer school in Donegal, the minister announced tough measures to get hospitals to reduce their long term waiting lists.