7000 patients waiting longer than HSE targets at Galway public hospitals

Galway Bay fm newsroom – There were over 7,000 patients waiting longer than the target waiting time for treatment at Galway University Hospitals at the end of April. The figure was revealed in response to a question by county Cathaoirleach Mary Hoade at last evening's meeting of the HSE Regional Health Forum West. At last evening's meeting it was revealed that 6,220 patients were waiting longer than the 12 month waiting list target for outpatient treatment at Galway University Hospitals. There were an additional 906 patients breaching the eight month target on the in-patient waiting list at the end of April. CEO of the West North West Hospital Group says the number of patients breaching waiting list targets represents less than 10% of the total waiting list. He says Galway is in a good position in comparison to other hospitals, and the text reminder system is working to further reduce waiting times. It's hoped both the inpatient and outpatient waiting list targets can be met by the end of 2014.