UHW outperforming national average in emergency care waiting times while amount of patients leaving without being seen increases

New figures show University Hospital Waterford is outperforming the national average across a range of emergency department waiting time measures, but experienced a sharp increase in patients leaving without being seen.

The figures, released by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question from Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Waterford TD, Deputy David Cullinane, cover the first six months of 2026.

The figures show that while 57% of patients nationally completed their emergency department attendance within six hours, 72% of patients at UHW were seen and treated within that same timeframe.

Nationally, almost 3.2% of patients, around 28,000 patients, waited more than 24 hours in emergency departments, whereas no patients at UHW were recorded as waiting beyond 24 hours during the period covered.

Figures also show that 1,911 patents left the emergency department at UHW without being seen between January and June this year, with the monthly total increasing from 225 in January to 400 in June.

These figures show a "mixed picture" for the hospital, according to Deputy Cullinane, who said: “Despite the enormous pressures they face every day, the hospital is performing better than the national average across a number of key emergency department measures.

“However, these figures also highlight an issue that cannot be ignored. Almost 2,000 patients left the emergency department without being seen during the first six months of the year, and the monthly figure has been increasing steadily.

“When someone leaves without being seen, it raises important questions. Some may return later when their condition has deteriorated, while others may not seek medical attention again. It is a trend that needs to be examined carefully."

He went on to comment: “The reality is that UHW is treating increasing numbers of patients while serving a rapidly growing population across the South East. Demand continues to rise, and staff are working flat out to keep pace."

Deputy Cullinane continued: “That is why it is so important that the Government now follows through on long-promised investment in University Hospital Waterford.

“We urgently need the new 96-bed ward block, the replacement acute mental health unit, the expansion of outpatient facilities and other capital projects to proceed without further delay. These projects are essential if the hospital is to keep pace with growing demand and continue improving patient care.

“While these figures show that UHW is performing strongly compared to many hospitals around the country, we cannot expect staff to continue delivering better outcomes without the capacity and investment they have been promised. The Government must now match the commitment of frontline staff with the investment the South East needs.”