Over 160 patients waiting for vital brain op

More than 160 seriously ill patients are being forced to wait over six months for vital brain surgery — at a time when Ireland is hosting a major conference on how to prioritise the service.

The extent of the waiting list was revealed by a leading patient group as Ireland hosts an EU-wide policy meeting on how to help improve neurological care.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Neurological Alliance of Ireland spokeswoman Mags Rogers said official HSE figures show 164 patients — suffering from a range of serious conditions — are being forced to wait more than half a year before undergoing brain surgery.