TWO Belfast women are taking High Court action over alleged "unacceptable" hospital waiting lists in Northern Ireland.
May Kitchen and Eileen Wilson claim delays in either obtaining surgery or an appointment with a consultant are unlawful.
Judicial review proceedings brought against the Department of Health and two trusts are set to be heard early in the New Year.
With the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission backing their challenges, a solicitor for the two women claimed there has been a failure to provide effective medical care.
Ciaran O'Hare of McIvor Farrell law firm said: "My clients are taking these cases because of the incredibly long and unacceptable delays with regards to the waiting lists in Northern Ireland.
"The system is in dire need of urgent and drastic reform and they are seeking a declaration that the minimum standards required by law are being flouted."
Mrs Kitchen, a 76-year-old retired nurse who lives alone, was diagnosed with cataracts five years ago.
And fears that she would lose her sight, she was told that the waiting list for surgery was 42 months.
The pensioner eventually decided to have private treatment, but insists that she should not be out of pocket due to her entitlement to free healthcare.
Ms Wilson (46) has been seeking an urgent consultation with a neurologist about her suspected multiple sclerosis since June 2017.
According to her lawyer the ongoing delay has left her in limbo and affected her quality of life.
The case is centred on alleged failures to meet the minimum legal standards in the running of a health service.
Breaches of the two women's human rights are also being claimed as part of the challenge.
