Number of cancelled day-case and in-patient operations falls at WRH by 83% – Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news that the number of cancelled day-case and in-patient operations have fallen at Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) by 83%. This is the highest fall of any hospital in the State and is a clear indication of the structural changes that are taking place in the reform of the health system.

“The number of cancelled day-case and in-patient operations has fallen at WRH by a staggering 83% in just 2 years; from 520 in 2010, to 91 for 2012. There has been a substantial reduction in the number of cancelled operations since the establishment of the Special Delivery Unit by this Government just over 20 months ago.

“The health service at its peak cost just under €15 billion to run annually, by the end of this year that cost will be reduced to just over €13 billion. This makes the reductions in waiting lists and the better management of these lists all the more remarkable. It proves that throwing money at a problem, as was the strategy of the previous administration, does not solve it. The introduction of a coherent and structured management leads to positive results.

“These figures demonstrate how efficient and well run WRH is as a model for hospital. These results are testament to the dedication and hard work of the staff at WRH and they should be rightly commended for this. The health service in this country is under pressure but significant changes have taken place since Fine Gael and Labour came to office. We must ensure that we continue to see results such as this so that a health service that is worthy of our people is delivered.

“The Health Service is about the patient and ensuring that they are looked after in the best possible manner. We are seeing progress in WRH with positive moves with regards the palliative care centre, the appointment of 13 new consultant posts and the replacement of 8 posts at the hospital over the coming year; this is a clear commitment of investment in WRH. Many challenges remain for our health service but with the continued move towards the universal social insurance model, I am confident that we can deliver a health service fit for the 21st century.”

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