HSE criticised over ‘hidden’ waiting lists

Doctors, patients and opposition TDs have urged the HSE to "come clean" on "hidden" hospital waiting lists, after claims tens of thousands of people unable to access "life-saving" care are failing to be counted.

The calls came as it emerged more than 27,000 people awaiting vital diagnostic tests at a single hospital are not appearing in official figures, meaning there may be far more than the near-390,000 people awaiting some form of outpatient appointment.

However, despite the fact the records — which were until recently publicly available — are no longer being published, Health Minister Leo Varadkar claimed no one is hiding them as they were provided when asked.