Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has urged the government to act urgently and end the scandal of long gynaecology waiting lists, as waiting lists have remained static at worrying levels at University Hospital Tallaght.

Speaking today, Teachta Crowe said:

“Figures released to Sinn Féin by the HSE reveal a shocking crisis in gynaecology waiting lists. There are currently 30,805 women waiting for a gynaecology appointment across the state.

“This includes 3,051 of women on waiting lists at University Hospital Tallaght. The average waiting time for someone to be seen at UHT for a gynaecology appointment is 652 days. Almost two years. It is a damning indictment of how poorly this Government is managing the health service.

“Last year, Sinn Féin was assured by the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that these figures were so high due to the immediate response to the pandemic. I am deeply alarmed that a year later these figures have not moved at all. It is clear that there is a very concerning ongoing crisis in our gynaecology waiting lists which has been continuing for far too long.

“Behind every number is a woman anxiously waiting for healthcare that she needs. Delayed appointments lead to delayed care, which can in turn lead to delayed diagnoses and delayed treatment. This is unacceptable. Women in Dublin South West deserve better.

“It is not enough for the government to express surprise every year at these figures, while failing to address the problem. The time for action is now. Lip service is not good enough. We need to see a proper plan in place to address this crisis. Sinn Féin is committed to holding the government to account on this until patients see the changes that are needed.”