"Huge backlog" is danger to Shropshire cardiology patients
The “huge backlog” in cardiology referrals at the trust that runs Shropshire’s two main hospitals is posing a “clinical risk” to patients, it has been claimed.
Gill George, from Shropshire Defend Our NHS, said she has been told by a member of staff at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust that the department was struggling to deal with the number of appointments.
She said the “lack of information” given to patients was also detrimental to them and called on something to be done.
Julie Davies, director of performance at Shropshire CCG, said she would bring Ms George’s concerns up at the next meeting she has with bosses.
Ms George had issued her concerns on a written question at a meeting of Shropshire Council’s health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee on Monday.
She said: “SaTH has – according to a member of staff in appointments, a ‘huge backlog of cardiology referrals’.
“Urgent referrals are rightly prioritised, but the waiting time for an urgent cardiology referral is around three months.
“It is a long wait and it is likely to carry clinical risks for some patients.”
She added: “Shropshire Referral Assessment Service tells patients of long waiting times at neighbouring hospitals but does not give information about SaTH on the basis that ‘SaTH manage their own appointments’.
“The lack of information to patients effectively reduces choice and directs patients to SaTH who would otherwise of chosen out-of-county hospital.”
Dr Davies said: “I will put it on my next agenda for when I meet to discuss issues such as this.
“We will look at Ms George’s concerns and provide an update to this scrutiny committee as soon as possible.”
