A social media campaign being launched today by hospital consultants highlights the increasing waiting times for outpatient appointments. “The acute and growing shortage of consultants is impacting on patient access to care and adding to the waiting times experienced by patients,” said Dr Durcan. The IHCA points out that Ireland has the lowest level in the EU of consultants working in the health service. Ireland has only a third of the number of consultants needed in this area of medical care. There are more than 16,000 patients waiting to see a respiratory consultant because the number of specialists is only a third of the number required.

Source: Irish Examiner June 10, 2019 04:30 UTC