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16/01/2006
Cardiac waiting lists too long warn charity
The Chest, Heart and Stroke Association has today revealed that an increasing number of patients with heart conditions are being caught in a "medical limbo" between being diagnosed by their GP and being seen by a specialist.
It has been reported that some cardiac patients have had to wait more than a year for their crucial first appointment with others waiting around 18-months for treatment.
This compares to a six-week wait in some European cities.
The charity has stated that although the speed of treatment does improve once the patient has seen a consultant, those waiting for appointments with cardiologists are not counted as being on the official waiting list.
Chest Heart and Stroke Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal, said: “Nearly one in 10 cardiac patients are still having to wait more than a year for that important first appointment. This is totally unacceptable.
“Ministers have set a target time of three months between seeing a GP and having a consultation with a specialist, but this target time is being met in only
two out of five cases. That is not an impressive percentage.”
The charity has warned Health Ministers that urgent action must be taken to
appoint cardiologists, as many of these positions remain unfilled due to a lack of
suitable applicants, or are filled by locums.
Mr Dougal added that although their have been some improvements in waiting
times, people living in other parts of Europe would be "horrified" if they had to
endure the same types of delays as experienced in Northern Ireland.
(EF/SP)
It has been reported that some cardiac patients have had to wait more than a year for their crucial first appointment with others waiting around 18-months for treatment.
This compares to a six-week wait in some European cities.
The charity has stated that although the speed of treatment does improve once the patient has seen a consultant, those waiting for appointments with cardiologists are not counted as being on the official waiting list.
Chest Heart and Stroke Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal, said: “Nearly one in 10 cardiac patients are still having to wait more than a year for that important first appointment. This is totally unacceptable.
“Ministers have set a target time of three months between seeing a GP and having a consultation with a specialist, but this target time is being met in only
two out of five cases. That is not an impressive percentage.”
The charity has warned Health Ministers that urgent action must be taken to
appoint cardiologists, as many of these positions remain unfilled due to a lack of
suitable applicants, or are filled by locums.
Mr Dougal added that although their have been some improvements in waiting
times, people living in other parts of Europe would be "horrified" if they had to
endure the same types of delays as experienced in Northern Ireland.
(EF/SP)
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