New figures are showing a significant increase on hospital waiting lists nationally.

Figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund for December show that there are 894,369 patients on hospital waiting lists across the country, an increase of more than 86,300 on the same time last year.

Nearly 10 years ago the 2017 Sláintecare report, which was aimed at overhauling the health service, recommended maximum wait times of no more than 12 weeks for an inpatient/day case procedure and 10 weeks for a new outpatient appointment.

Will we ever see that?

Joining Ciara to discuss is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Stephen McMahon Co-Founder and Director of the Irish Patients Association.