Almost half of 256 patients awaiting orthopaedic outpatient appointments in University Hospital Kerry (UHK) are over 66 years of age, with some of those waiting up to a year for an operation.

The most recent figures were released to Deputy Michael Healy-Rae by the Department of Health following a Dáil question.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HSE had to take measures to pause all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. However, this has seen a “very significant waiting list for orthopaedic outpatient appointments”, Deputy Michael Healy Rae has stated.

“At present 111 people who are awaiting an orthopaedic outpatient appointment are over 66 years of age with 32 of those already waiting over six months," he said.

Meanwhile the Department of Health have confirmed to the Deputy that there are 4,675 people awaiting CT scans, MRIs and Ultra Sounds at UHK with 1,327 people waiting over a year to date.