New figures have revealed there are over 12,600 patients on waiting lists for treatment between University Hospital Galway (UHG) and Merlin Park hospital.
This is according to latest reports from the official HSE waiting list source, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
NTPF’s latest report published in December 2025 stated there were well over 753,000 patients on active waiting lists all over hospitals in Ireland, with UHG reportedly having the largest single total.
According to the report, there are 12,621 inpatient or day cases for UHG, with another 48,480 outpatients yet to be seen.
Public hospital waiting lists include all patients waiting for publicly funded care, with patients waiting for an appointment date for their treatment categorised as ‘active’.
The HSE website states ‘average waiting time is an estimate. It is the best information we can provide based on the data available.
It said that the estimated wait times fluctuate, and actual waiting time is based on how urgently doctors think you need care.
Waiting times with private consultants or hospitals have also had many reports with patients having to wait weeks or months for specialist appointments even with private insurance.
Private healthcare is rationed by insurance and is widely used to supplement public services, particularly where faster access or private hospital facilities are preferred.
Public healthcare is rationed by waiting times, clinical priority and government budgets.
Speaking to RTÉ news, HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said, “Our hospitals are working exceptionally hard, and in many cases, we are seeing the benefits of reform, but in other cases we are seeing very unacceptable numbers.”
The press office for the HSE West North-West region failed to provide a response.
