02 December 2010

Doctors Voice Frustration Over Waiting Times  

Following on from the Minister’s announcements today on hospital waiting times, British Medical Association (BMA NI) Chairman Dr Paul Darragh responded: “Doctors are working harder than ever to make sure patients are seen promptly according to clinical need.  

“However they are being frustrated by a culture whereby non-clinical managers are striving to reach first-time referral targets which inevitably skews resources to the detriment of other patients."

He added:   “For example, patients who need a follow-up or review appointment often find their appointments unacceptably delayed. There is no official “target” for these tens of thousands of patients; however delays in treatment will almost inevitably lead to a worsening of their conditions.”   

This is a view shared by GPs. Antrim GP Allen McCullough, who has repeatedly voiced his concerns about the delay in review appointments added:   “Patients who need treatment are not being seen quickly enough, adding to the strain of being ill. Urgent cancer investigations are now months behind, making a mockery of the whole waiting list target. Does the Minister know how many “red flag” cancer patients are waiting in the system?  

“It is hard to be reassuring when you have a cancer patient who cannot get a follow-up appointment.” 

(BMcN/GK) 