Call for action on colonoscopy delays

WITH more than 1,000 people waiting more than three months for a colonoscopy, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has urged people to avail of the procedure under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).

Yesterday, the society said it did not understand why the waiting list for colonoscopies continues to grow when the NTPF had indicated it can source treatment immediately for patients waiting more than three months.

Currently there are 1,073 people waiting more than three months for a colonoscopy, a 13% increase since May. In December 2009, there were 852 patients waiting more than three months, 25% less than the latest figure.