HSSD move aims to slash orthopaedic waiting times
GUERNSEY'S critical backlog in orthopaedic surgery could begin to be reversed by Health and Social Services through a major investment in 'Sterile Services' equipment.
The department has purchased three new washer-disinfectors, which will enable a 45% increase in the volume of instruments that are washed and decontaminated in any one day, in a move that should help to address lengthy orthopaedic waiting times.
The size constraint of the old washer-disinfectors is one of several factors highlighted as causing the long-running backlog, which also includes the need for additional staff.
It is understood current delays in waiting times are broadly the same as earlier in May, when it was revealed there were 119 islanders whose orthopaedic procedures would take place past the contractual waiting time of eight weeks after seeing a consultant.
Details of HSSD's new investment emerged after MSG chairman Dr Steve Evans warned waiting times had not yet improved as the underlying reasons for the delays had not yet been addressed.
'Availability of theatre time and the speed with which equipment can be sterilised remain key constraints,' he said.
