Outpatient waiting lists

Madam, - I would like to congratulate The Irish Timesfor drawing attention to the issue of outpatient waiting lists.

The size of inpatient waiting-lists can vary for many reasons; however, outpatient waiting-lists reflect the true reality.

No amount of validations, adjustments, "initiatives" or strokes can hide the basic fact that there will be an unmet need unless, and until, there are enough appropriately trained consultants working in the system. - Yours, etc,

JOSEPH G. O'BEIRNE,

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon,

Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital,

Kilkenny.