In 2021, nearly four in 10 patients had to wait longer for radiology procedures than the times agreed between the States and the Medical Specialist Group as part of the island’s secondary healthcare scheme.
There is a target of 95% of patients being seen within the agreed time – but last year only 65% of patients had appointments within the agreed time.
Pictured: Additional funding is needed to help keep up with the demand for MRI scans.
Health officials say the waiting list for MRI scans was the main reason behind the target being missed.
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a type of scan that uses magnetism and radio waves to take pictures of the inside of the body.
“For the majority of radiological examinations, the waiting times are within target, but the wait for MRI scans is what takes this out of target,” said Martin Peacock, Clinical Support Services Associate Director.
“Globally, there has been a relentless increase in demand for MRI scanning since it was launched as a clinical imaging tool, and this is predicted to continue to increase for the foreseeable future.”
Pictured: The annual report on key performance indicators showed that target were missed for waiting times in radiology.
An annual report on key performance indicators in secondary healthcare, which was released on Thursday, stated: “Additional investment is required to recruit an additional radiologist and to increase the operational hours of the service to improve on these results.”
Mr Peacock confirmed that additional funding has been made available.
“A case has been made to increase capacity within the Radiology Department, which includes employing an additional radiologist to provide clinical reports on the images and additional radiographers who are experienced in this very complex imaging technique,” he said.
“Some increased funding has already been made available this year to introduce weekend working and the wait has been significantly reduced.
“The further capacity investment is being achieved by a redistribution of existing resources within the Committee for Health & Social Care budget, including increasing on-island capacity to reduce the need for off-island imaging.
“The resource investment is a critical component of the broader approach to reducing waiting lists that are in development.”
Pictured: Martin Peacock said experienced radiographers are required to report on complex image results generated by MRI scans.
Pictured (top right): Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care.