More than 100 orthopaedic patients are waiting too long
MORE than 100 orthopaedic patients are waiting longer than they should for operations, with some not being booked in until early next year.
The backlog has persisted for more than a year, but Medical Specialist Group chief executive Debbie Guillou said she hoped the appointment of a new surgeon and new sterilising equipment at the hospital would help to meet the increasing demand.
In total, 102 patients are booked in beyond the contract period – eight weeks after seeing a consultant.
Last May, there were more than 100 islanders who had orthopaedic procedures scheduled to take place past the contractual waiting time.
Ms Guillou said the appointment of a new orthopaedic surgeon had been approved.
'The demand for orthopaedic surgery has increased significantly in recent years, causing heavy workload for the three orthopaedic surgeons and a backlog in waiting times has resulted,' she said.
'HSC and MSG are working to try to get orthopaedic procedures done as soon as possible and are prioritising the most urgent cases, but some may have to wait until early 2017.'
