MORE than 5,500 people are awaiting hospital treatment in Cork, according to the latest figures.

Data released by the National Treatment Purchase Fund shows the numbers waiting, across various timebands, for inpatient and day-case treatment in each hospital.

It reveals that 5,518 people are waiting in Cork University Hospital (CUH), South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork University Maternity Hospital and the Mercy University Hospital in the city and Mallow General Hospital and Bantry General Hospital in Co Cork for treatment.

A total of 1,111 patients are awaiting treatment at Cork University Hospital compared to 1,155 in July.

There are 347 currently awaiting treatment for a period of up to three months while 63 have been waiting 12 to 15 months and 115 have been waiting 18 months or more.

The highest number of patients are awaiting urology treatment at 253.

A total of 2,093 patients at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital are awaiting treatment, compared to the figure of 2,122 last month.

There are 961 patients waiting up to three months for treatment, while 80 are waiting 12-15 months and 99 have been waiting 18 months or more.

The largest number of patients are awaiting otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) treatment at 499.

The Mercy University Hospital has a total of 1,099 patients awaiting treatment compared to 1,068 last month.

A total of 343 have been waiting up to three months, while 130 have been waiting 18 months or more.

The largest number of patients are awaiting urology treatment at 317.

A total of 170 patients are awaiting treatment at Mallow General Hospital with 88 waiting 0-three months and one waiting 18 months or more.

A total of 82 are waiting for general surgery.

A total of 665 are waiting for treatment at Cork University Maternity Hospital compared to 675 last month.

113 are waiting 0-three months, 118 are waiting six-nine months and 168 are waiting 18 months or more.

A total of 380 patients are waiting for inpatient treatment at Bantry General Hospital, with 117 patients waiting up to three months.

There are no patients waiting for 18 months or more.