Written 9 months ago by Rebecca Donnelly

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Are you on a waiting list for a hospital appointment or procedure and fed up?

As Health Minister Simon Harris today expressed “shame” about HSE waiting lists, Will Faulkner heard one woman from County Westmeath describe her daily battle with severe pain.

Mary in Mullingar has been nursing a shoulder injury for four years, one so severe that she cannot hold her own child. She has traded her old car for one with automatic transmission.

She was told 18 months ago that two surgeries are needed on her shoulder and hand. Mary tearfully explained that she is losing motor skills and drops cups and plates frequently.

She was initially told to expect a six month wait but that has since inflated to 18 months.

Her anger is directed at the HSE.  Mary also stresses that she has done everything in her power to change the situation but her only option is to keep waiting.

Listen to Mary’s story below:

 

UPDATE: Within two weeks of this interview, Mary underwent successful surgery to correct the problem.

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