Waiting times slashed for bowel cancer tests at UCH

Date Published: 15-Sep-2009

University Hospital Galway has cut its average waiting list for a colonoscopy or bowel cancer test by 40% since April, according to figures released by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
In a rare success story for the health service, the Irish Cancer Society has praised the effort by the hospital in reducing the numbers waiting for the crucial test since last November from 263 to 105 in April. It was further slashed to 59 by the end of August.
Of these on the list, the vast majority (52 patients) are waiting between three and six months. Another six are waiting between six months and a year, while there is one patient who is waiting for 12 months or more.
“In terms of volume, Galway is also one of the hospitals that perform the highest number of these tests in the country, so it’s a real achievement to cut the numbers so dramatically,” said spokesperson for the Irish Cancer Society, Lorna Jennings.
“It shows something can be done if attention is drawn to it. Since we shone the light of day on this last November they have been able to sort it out and this is a real time-sensitive tests so it’s very important to reduce waiting lists.”
A spokesperson for the HSE West stated: “A number of initiatives have been put in place over the last few months at Galway University Hospitals in order to reduce our colonoscopy waiting times; these initiatives include additional sessions at GUH and also referring patients to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. GUH are committed to continuing to work towards further reducing waiting times to meet the new standards.”
Nationally, the data provided by the hospitals to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), which manages public hospital waiting lists, shows that the numbers of patients waiting for a colonoscopy has increased to 722 from 652 in April. The vast majority (more than 600) are waiting between three and six months. There was also a worrying increase of more that 30%, or 130 people, who are waiting from three to six months for this vital test.
A colonoscopy is the most effective procedure for diagnosing bowel cancer. In her approval of the HSE National Service Plan 2009, the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney stated that patients should have this crucial cancer test within four weeks of seeing their GP.
The Irish Cancer Society said it remains concerned at the length of time many patients have to wait to undergo the procedure.
Kathleen O’Meara, head of advocacy and communications at the Irish Cancer Society said while the organisation welcomed this improvement in those waiting more than six months, it is disappointed to see the total number of people waiting has increased by 10% since April 2009.
“This means that 70 more patients are now waiting for colonoscopies than there were in April. We need a national screening programme to ensure more people are diagnosed earlier.”
Minister Harney has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to report to her this month on the most cost-effective way to deliver a national bowel cancer screening programme.