In case you missed it, RTE Investigates took a closer look at the lives of those people that are still waiting for HSE treatment after spending months, and sometimes years, on the waiting list.
After the documentary aired, Claire Byrne had a segment on her show as the Minister for Health Simon Harris gave his reaction to the documentary. Liam Woods, the HSE’s National Director for Acute Hospitals, and Gerry Robinson, the man who famously took on Britain’s National Health Service, were also in studio.
In a startling documentary, it was revealed that 535,000 people are now on various hospital waiting lists for appointments / procedures. Sadly, this figure represents an increase of 94,000 people when compared to this time last year.
Given the severity of these figures, plenty of people felt very strongly about the current state of the HSE.
More than 535,000 people are now on hospital waiting lists for appointments / procedures, up 94,000 than this time last yr #RTEInvestigates
— RTÉ (@rte) February 6, 2017
Sad viewing this and very tough as a parent but equally as a human being watching people suffer when it can be avoided #RTEInvestigates
— Mike Cubbard (@Mcubbard) February 6, 2017
Imagine being a parent knowing your child’s illness is treatable…if only you had the money. Heartbreakingly cruel. #RTEInvestigates https://t.co/8lZMippdxN
— Anne-Marie McNally (@amomcnally) February 6, 2017
#RTEInvestigates #LivingonTheList Heartbreaking for any parent or patient to feel that helpless just for a balanced budget. Shame on HSE
— Bryan Carr (@BryanCarrIRL) February 6, 2017
Shocking denial of people's human rights to critical healthcare. We must end this shameful scandal! #RTEInvestigates
— Roisin Shortall (@RoisinShortall) February 6, 2017
Heartbreaking to hear stories of waiting list patients – awful to watch pain and distress increasing unnecessarily #RTEInvestigates
— Ingrid Miley (@ingridmileyRTE) February 6, 2017
When you watch the #RTEInvestigates on waiting lists, hard not to think of the lunacy & hypocrisy of "keeping the recovery going"
— Ken Foxe (@kenfoxe) February 6, 2017
Sick Society: FG/ Lab ploughed Billions into #Irishwater fiasco as Health Spending cut to the bone #RTEInvestigates #vinb pic.twitter.com/445iJoCcJB
— Mick Caul (@caulmick) February 6, 2017
Don't want a Health Minister that's "heartbroken" or "ashamed". Want a proper functioning health sector.#RTEInvestigates #CBLive
— Elaine Byrne (@ElaineByrne) February 6, 2017
Heartbreaking stuff – Children suffer yet TDs get pay increases. Such an unjust society #RTEInvestigates pic.twitter.com/a7ZDKex5si
— Mick Caul (@caulmick) February 6, 2017
#RTEInvestigates watched thru fingers, tears and embarrassment, powerful testimony. HSE is outcome of broken political system IMO. Fix both
— Eddie (@RealEddieHobbs) February 7, 2017
Missed #RTEInvestigates #LivingonTheList? WATCH back on @RTEplayer https://t.co/LTF3PO32yl pic.twitter.com/xws1ykUxaO
— RTÉ (@rte) February 7, 2017
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