Concern as patients face 29-day wait for colonoscopy
That’s the view of HSE West Forum member, Cllr Brian Meaney (Green), who was commenting yesterday on new figures showing that more than 15% of patients at Limerick’s Regional Hospital are waiting more than 29 days for an urgent colonoscopy.
The HSE’s Healthstat report, in its green, amber and red marking system, has marked the hospital’s patient wait times for an urgent colonoscopy a ‘red’.
The figures show that more than 80% of patients are seen in 28 days. However, Cllr Meaney said: “The high numbers of patients waiting more than 29 days is a cause of serious concern. Waits like this can cost lives where there is a cancerous growth present.
“It is critical that this high number of people waiting is reined in as soon as possible.”
The HSE Healthstat report also found Limerick’s Regional Hospital to be significantly over budget for the first six months of this year.
In the Healthstat’s red, amber and green marking system, the hospital’s resources received a ‘red’ rating with the hospital, more than 2% over the HSE’s staff ceiling.
However, the marking has come from the hospital being 10% over the staff ceiling in April.
The hospital also scored ‘red’ in percentage of hours lost due to absenteeism.
Overall, the hospital recorded an ‘amber’ rating.
