Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cappagh hospital is located not far from where I live and it has been an iconic facility for many years. Undoubtedly, there is an urgent need to address these waiting lists, as well as the under-staffing. Although the Minister of State said the staffing levels did not change much, there was a 40% increase in demand last year. In addition, a number of people are due to retire in the coming year, so both problems will have to be addressed. I hope the Minister will do that.

It is good to hear that extra funding is being provided, but the reality is that there will be four theatres operating when there should be seven. It is a shame on us that the capacity of seven theatres, or close to that, has not been reached. That is the reason 79 year old people are waiting for hip and other replacements. Many very elderly people are waiting 12 months for surgery. I do not know to what level this will cut the waiting list, but I hope it will be cut considerably.

We should be taking account of the age of these people. The woman I discussed earlier cannot even go outside the door. Her husband has dementia and she cannot walk, but she has been told she might have to wait another three or four months. It is outrageous. There must be humanity in how things are judged. People are put on a list and it is judged by the time on the list, but account is not taken of the fact that this woman is elderly or that she has to deal with external circumstances. I hope we can address this better.

I have been hearing that the nursing situation is far more serious than the Minister of State says. The number of staff must be addressed. Obviously, we could also do with more surgeons and physicians, but there is no indication that this will be dealt with as well.

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