Audiology Waiting Lists ‘spiralling out of control’ in Cavan Monaghan – Matt Carthy TD
Cavan Monaghan Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has said that ‘spiralling’ audiology waiting lists in his constituency are representative of a ‘pending localised crisis’ that demand a response from the Minster for Health.
Figures released to Deputy Carthy by the HSE show that while there are no waiting lists for audiology treatments in some part of the country, some regions have seen the lists grow by multiples in recent years, with Cavan Monaghan seeing by far the most dramatic level of growth.
Deputy Carthy said:
“While there are no waiting lists for audiology appointments in many parts of the country in recent years, there are a some regions that have seen significant deterioration.
“Of these Cavan Monaghan has the unhappy distinction of seeing Audiology waiting list climb from 146 to 524 people since 2017 –over three-and-a-half times growth, and a deterioration in service almost twice as bad as next local service area.
“These waiting times have a real life impact as delays in treatment can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
“The unacceptable audiology waiting lists is a clear example of local service failure. Once again, under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments, we see that where a person lives can determine the level of service they receive. It is geographical discrimination in healthcare.
“While the figures do point to the situation having worsened over the course of the pandemic, they also clearly point out that this situation has been developing since at least 2017.
“Our community deserves a response from the Minister for Health and HSE as to how they intend to address this specific backlog.
“I intend to raise this matter directly with the Minister for Health in the coming weeks.”
ENDS
