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Over 30 patients faced cancellations after cataract machine broke

Over 30 patients faced cancellations after cataract machine broke

Monday 14 October 2024

Over 30 patients faced cancellations after cataract machine broke

Monday 14 October 2024


A total of 32 patients waiting for cataract operations faced cancellations after essential equipment broke at the hospital.

The two microscopes used by the Ophthalmology Department have now been repaired.

After it emerged that some public patients were having to wait around two years for an initial cataracts assessment, a £1m scheme was introduced earlier this year to provide treatment in the UK for around 500 people in a bid to bring down the waiting lists.

In the meantime, Jersey private patients have continued to be treated locally.

But it last month emerged that the cataracts machine at the hospital was out of order, leaving private patients "waiting indefinitely for the machine to be repaired". 

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Pictured: Deputy Louise Doublet chairs the panel of politicians responsible for scrutinising the running of Health.

Deputy Louise Doublet, who chairs the panel of politicians responsible for scrutinising the running of Health, sought answers in a letter to Health Minister Tom Binet.

Deputy Binet responded in a letter dated 26 September.

The Health Minister said that “manufactures are arriving on island this week to repair [the cataract machine]. Once repaired, the service will be able to commence immediately”.

Following queries from Express, the Health Department confirmed that the cataract machine repairs were successfully completed during the week of 26 September, and the cataract operation service has now recommenced.

A total of 32 cataract patients were affected by the cancellations.

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CLICK TO READ IN FULL: Health Minister Tom Binet provided an update about the cataract machine in a letter dated 26 September.

Just 18 cataract operations took place during August and September – this included a two-week spell during which the theatres where such operations take place were closed for planned maintenance.

Both microscopes were back in action by the first week of October, and eight cataract operations had taken place by Thursday 3 October.

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