Hospital waiting lists increase by almost 4,500

Hospital waiting lists have been increased by almost 4,500 according to new figures released by the Department of Health.

The figures were released last night ahead of today's Budget, at a time when they might receive less media attention.

Fergal Bowers of Irishhealth.com says the Government is trying to disguise the increase by issuing the statistics in a new way.

"Traditionally the department has released one waiting list figure which gives a clear picture of the number of people waiting.

"They have decided now to issue two figures excluding people who do not spend more than one night in a hospital bed.

"The true figure is that over 29,000 people are now waiting for hospital treatment and that is an increase of over 4,300, which is a very significant increase."