New Ross man’s nine year wait for one hour hernia operation

NEW ROSS man Aidan Power is waiting nine years for a hernia operation and is unable to put on socks, leaving him exposed to possible hypothermia.

Aidan (76) said he was advised to have the hernia procedure in 2014, but has been left languishing on HSE waiting lists.

“I’m not able to put my socks on. I don’t wear socks at all because my stomach swells out like a balloon because the hernia swells out,” said Aidan.

He said between his back problems and his hernia he finds it very difficult to get around town.

“I got a brain scan before Christmas, but there has been no one to give me the result of the scan. I want keyhole surgery for my hernia, but that day I went down to University Hospital Waterford for the scan the consultant said the procedure may or may not work.”
Aidan says he was informed he may have to come back for a second appointment as there may be internal bleeding.

“They shifted me to another hospital. I’ve been cancelled a lot of times and have had to go to another doctor because of my stomach swelling.”
Aidan said he can make it down town from his home in Cluain Fada, Irishtown, but his body can’t manage the walk back up the hills.

“I need this operation but with the flu problem at University Hospital Waterford all operations are put back. When I attended before Christmas someone informed me I was on a waiting list.

“He said he would se if it was possible to do the procedure after February, but I’ve gotten no word.”
Hernia operations are usually done on Tuesdays and only take around an hour.

“I’m waiting nine years for a one hour operation. They open you up and put a bag in and you get a lift home from someone the same day.”

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