43 women waiting more than four years for gynaecology surgery at Galway hospital
Some 3,333 women are also waiting for an outpatient gynaecology appointment at the hospital, but have no scheduled date to be seen
A total of 43 women have been waiting more than four years for gynaecological surgery at University Hospital Galway (UHG), according to new figures released by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The figure represents a more than three-fold increase since last November, when 14 patients were recorded as waiting more than four years for an operation.
The latest data reveals that 96 women have been waiting for surgery for over two years – an increase of 78% compared to the 54 patients who were facing similar delays 10 months ago.
In total, 468 patients are currently on the inpatient gynaecology waiting list at the hospital. Of these, 437 are classified as active cases, 16 are in pre-admission, and 15 are suspended.
A further 3,333 women are waiting for an outpatient gynaecology appointment at UHG, with nearly three out of four currently having no scheduled date to be seen.
Some 2,467 outpatient cases have no appointment date, marking a 20.6% rise from last November, when 2,046 women were in the same position. Only 779 patients have an appointment date, while 87 are listed as suspended.
Of those left waiting for an outpatient appointment, 1,325 have been waiting up to three months, 776 between three and six months, and 235 between six and nine months.
A further 131 women without an appointment date have been waiting nine months or more.
The details were provided by HSE Integrated Health Area Manager for Galway Roscommon, Ann Cosgrove, in response to a question raised at the Regional Health Forum by Independent Councillor Evelyn Parsons.
Cllr Parsons had requested updated figures following earlier data provided in November 2025, and asked the health service to outline specific measures and timelines for reducing the extensive backlogs.
Ms Cosgrove acknowledged that UHG is currently facing “significant challenges” in securing theatre time for gynaecological procedures.
“At present, access is available to the UHG Main Theatre for gynaecology oncology procedures, and some limited capacity in [Portiuncula] for benign day case procedures,” Ms Cosgrove added.
“Increasing theatre capacity is critical to addressing the acknowledged waiting list challenges for patients awaiting benign gynaecological surgery and to improving timely access to care,” she said.