Cancellations of appointments in hospital soar to over 8,600

OVER 8,600 appointments in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) were cancelled last year, marking an increase of 20 per cent compared to 2022.

Local Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe described the figure as “extremely concerning” and criticised the Government.

“The Government is failing to tackle hospital overcrowding which is leading to record levels of cancellations,” said Deputy Crowe.

“There were 8,673 hospital appointments cancelled at Tallaght University Hospital in 2023.

“This represents an increase of 20 per cent on 2022 and is an extremely concerning figure that represents real people missing out on vital appointments and hospital care.

“The 13 years under Health Ministers Varadkar, Harris and Donnelly have made the health service worse.

“They have decimated local health services and created a crisis in our hospitals.

“The Government does not have a plan for hospital overcrowding, and this is forcing hospitals to rely on cancellations.

“This is shifting the problem from overcrowded emergency departments on to lengthy waiting lists.

“It is not a sustainable solution.”

The Echo contacted Tallaght University Hospital for comment, and asked what action they are taking to deal with appointment cancellations.

A spokesperson for the hospital explained that the majority of appointment cancellations are actually by patients.

“When it comes to cancellations of appointments there are a number of reasons this happens,” they said.

“Approximately 70 per cent of cancellations are by patients, i.e. the proposed date/time does not suit them/they are ill/they no longer need that appointment.

“The remaining 30 per cent cancelled by the hospital can be due to a number of reasons such as clinician on unexpected leave, further investigation required before the appointment, or unforeseen circumstances.

“The hospital re-schedules cancelled appointments as quickly as possible.”

Deputy Crowe added in a press release issued last week that Sinn Féin’s proposal for the health service includes fast-tracking elective procedures and to deliver 3,000 hospital and community beds.

He also said his party would “invest in home support, community step-down beds, and diagnostic capacity so that patients can be discharged home or to a supported care setting when they are ready, and to ensure that patients’ experiences are not delayed by lengthy waiting lists for scans.”