* New health wait list figures show nearly 80 per cent of people waiting to be seen by one specialty area are waiting longer than the target timeframe deemed clinically appropriate. * A GP has contacted the Herald about the delays, saying the lack of communication about when a patient will actually be seen is dangerous. * Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has made changes at the top of Health NZ-Te Whatu Ora, and pointed to some bright spots in the effort to turn around workforce shortages.
People with serious symptoms are waiting months to be seen by Auckland City Hospital services, after initially being told they’ll be assessed within six weeks. New figures obtained by the Herald reveal nearly 80 per cent of people waiting to be seen by Te Toka Tumai Auckland (formerly the Auckland District Health Board) gastroenterology clinics are overdue, with many waiting more than double the target timeframe deemed clinically appropriate. Hospital leaders have apologised for the distressing delays, saying staff vacancies, leave and growing demand have taken a toll.
A GP has contacted the Herald to publicise the situation, saying there’s a lack of communication and honesty about how long people will wait. Patients referred to be seen in the gastroenterology clinic are prioritised. Priority 1 patients are suspected of having cancer, and should be seen within 14 days.
Priority 2 patients should be seen within six weeks. The GP, who asked not to be named, said some of her “priority 2′�.
