Press release
Women’s Health Week: Minister for Health highlights significant progress in reducing long waiting lists for gynaecology services
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly has welcomed new figures which show significant progress in reducing long waiting lists for gynaecology services.
The 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, the next stage in the multi-annual approach to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists, prioritises Gynaecological services and waiting lists.
For 2023, funding totalling €443 million is being allocated to tackle Waiting Lists with €363 million of this being allocated to the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, to implement longer term reforms and provide additional public and private activity to clear backlogs exacerbated during the pandemic.
Analysis of hospital gynaecology waiting lists shows that the number of people waiting more than 18 months for treatment has fallen by 53% in the last year, from 3,566 to 1,659.
The numbers waiting 12–18 months have more than halved, falling from 2,502 to 1,218.
There were particular improvements recorded in Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital where the numbers waiting 6-12 months and 12-18 months fell by 66% and 82% respectively.
In Galway University Hospital, figures for all waiting list categories from 0-18+ months have decreased, resulting in an overall reduction of 34% in Galway’s gynaecology outpatient department figures.
In the context of the Department of Health’s Women’s Health Week, these figures highlight the measurable impact of current efforts to tackle gynaecology waiting lists, which includes the setting up of a network of 20 “See and Treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics.
Under the ambulatory gynaecology model of care established in 2020, 12 of a planned 20 clinics have been set up, while Budget 2023 allocated funding for a 21st clinic.
Minister Donnelly said:
"Tackling waiting lists is a government priority and we’re now beginning to see how expansions and improvements in gynaecology services is helping to reduce the numbers waiting long periods for appointments.
"The development of “See and Treat” gynaecology clinics is helping to address a very clear need, recognising that gynaecology services are under sustained pressure.
"Behind every number on a waiting list is a woman waiting – often in pain and discomfort – to necessary treatment. By reducing waiting times and improving access, we’re improving clinical outcomes for women and delivering on our commitment to better services as outlined in the Women’s Health Action Plan."
Under the ambulatory gynaecology model of care established in 2020, 12 of a planned 20 clinics have been set up. Additional clinics are in development and will open this year. In addition, Budget 2023 allocated funding for a 21st clinic.
The ambulatory gynaecology clinics will have a direct impact on gynaecology waiting lists at local and national level, as women will be identified, triaged and directed to have their treatment in an ambulatory setting, where deemed clinically appropriate.
These clinics will help to: