Professor Alan Irvine, President of the IHCA, said that the solution is obvious , adding that Government must appoint more consultants quickly to prevent any further setbacks to the healthcare system.
“Treating cancer requires speed and efficiency. While Ireland has some of the best oncologists and doctors in the world, with the sheer number of vacant consultant posts there is only so much that they can achieve, he said on Monday.
“Waiting lists are lengthening. Smaller teams are being burnt out. Older consultants are retiring. Meanwhile, Ireland’s population is growing and aging, and the general incidence of cancers is increasing.
Consultants call for urgent action as 860,000 sit on waiting lists for care
The IHCA said today that the HSE’s national service plan is welcome but “does not match the scale of the problem”. By Sean Murray Friday 26 Feb 2021, 7:35 AM Feb 26th 2021, 7:35 AM 11,997 Views 17 Comments
Image: Shutterstock/David Herraez Calzada
Image: Shutterstock/David Herraez Calzada
THE HSE MUST urgently prioritise reducing waiting lists and outline a plan to enable hospitals to cope in the coming months heading into next winter, the Irish Hospitals Consultants Association (IHCA) has said.
Recruitment to fill vacant consultant posts and a commitment to increase acute bed capacity will be essential in achieving this goal going forward, the consultants group said.