Portiuncula scanner broken as 1,000 remain on waiting list

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Bone density scans suspended at Portiuncula Hospital for over two years, will not recommence until next month with almost 1,000 people now on the waiting list, according to local TD Denis Naughten.

While the waiting list continues to grow, just 90 patients have been referred to other hospitals during the time the scanner has been out of use.

years ago – a united Irish republic – have yet to be realised.

A piper played a lament as the flags were dipped and raised. Mr John Tymon, a nephew of Patrick, spoke briefly and thanked the organisers for their efforts in remembering his uncle and comrades who paid the supreme sacrifice a century ago.

The proceedings ended with the Raheen Pipe Band playing the National Anthem.

In reply to Deputy Naughten, the HSE confirmed that 658 people have been on the waiting list for more than 18 months. The reason given for the suspension of scans was “equipment failure” and the reconfiguration of the fluoroscopy suite.

Speaking on the matter in recent days, Deputy Naughten said he would be raising the issue with the Minister for Health: “I understand the scanner will be replaced next month under the National Equipment Replacement Programme.

“However, it is difficult to understand how people continued to be added to the waiting list for over two years while the scanner was not in operation and why more patients were not referred to other hospitals during this time to ease the backlog”.