Govt appoints waiting-list expert to oversee elimination of lists

The Government has appointed a new expert to reduce hospital waiting lists.

Dr Martin Connor - who previously worked with the Health Service of Northern Ireland - will set up the 'Special Delivery Unit' to reduce waiting lists.

His job will be to cut waiting times for surgery, and reduce the number of people on hospital trollies at key periods.

He will also be appointed to the board of the HSE for the duration of his six-month contract.

Health Minister Dr James Reilly said his aim was to establish a unit to eliminate waiting lists by 2014.

"I said before that we would solve the waiting list crisis within three years of coming into power…That remains a commitment," he said.

"I've made a commitment also that we will not see 569 people on trollies again, and that's something...that is a serious part of the work that Martin Connor has to do."