The total number of people waiting at Northside Hospitals for operations increased by 345 (up 9%) while on the Southside the number waiting dramatically improved, down 1522 (or 25%). These figures were released by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).

There are now 4358 waiting at Northside Hospitals, with 3054 waiting for surgical procedures and 1304 waiting for medical procedures.

The root of the problem on the Northside is at the Mater, Connolly and Temple Street. The Mater disappointingly allowed waiting times to go up 45%, while Temple Street allowed times go up by 56%, and Connolly allowed the number waiting rise by 165%.

Ø In the Mater the number waiting rose by 551. The worst areas of deterioration were Ophthamology (up 210), urology (up 36) and Cardiology (up 55).

Ø In Temple Street lists rose by 200, mainly explained by a rise in Paediatric Surgery (up 117) and plastic surgery (up 46).

Ø In Connolly the number rose by 273, mainly explained by more waiting for general surgery (up 204).

By contrast none of the major Southside hospitals suffered a significant extra number of patients waiting for treatment. Three of the main Southside hospitals achieved big drops in their waiting lists.

On a positive note, Beaumont and Cappagh have seen their waiting lists drop considerably, and all the Dublin hospitals have seen the number of people waiting longer than 12 months for procedures drop.

Northside Hospitals continue to suffer from capacity problems, as more pressure from growing patient demand is being put on the limited resources available for convalescent care after the acute phase of care is completed. The HSE must immediately look at providing real solutions to the lack of convalescent care in the community, so as to free up valuable bed space in our hospitals.