Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce waiting lists for gynaecology outpatient and inpatient appointments and procedures. [52557/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) developed an Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care, which centres on the establishment of one-stop, “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics.

It is estimated that approximately 30%-40% of general gynaecology referrals are suitable for management in the ambulatory setting.

There are currently 18 “see and treat” gynaecology clinics open and having a direct and positive impact on gynaecology waiting lists and times. Three further clinics are also in development in Kerry, Tallaght and Clonmel.

NWIHP has indicated that despite an almost doubling in demand for outpatient gynaecology services from 2020 to 2024 as measured by referrals, the national waiting list for gynaecology services reduced by circa 9.5%.

Although there has been an increase in the outpatient gynaecology waiting list in recent months, waiting times have reduced and as of August 2025, 79% of patients were waiting less than 6 months.

Since the introduction of ambulatory gynaecology services in 2020, the number of women waiting over six months has decreased by 65%, and those waiting over 12 months has reduced by 89%.

In 2024, over 20,000 new patients were seen in the Ambulatory Gynaecology clinics.

In addition, further specialist services have been developed including the establishment of complex menopause clinics, dedicated specialist endometriosis services and fertility hubs, which have all impacted on gynaecology waiting list activity and care.