A consultant in general and colorectal surgery at Cork University Hospital has called for longer working days and weekend lists in endoscopy clinics to tackle the growing waiting lists for routine colonoscopies, with more than 37,000 people awaiting the procedure.
Dr Emmet Andrews said that 1 in 250 people on the waiting lists are likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer and he urged patients with worrying symptoms to advocate to be treated as an urgent case.
He said that it is a worrying time for patients and doctors, but said that urgent cases can be seen within three to four weeks.
Dr Andrews said those on waiting lists with bleeding or pain can be deemed urgent and be seen more quickly, but they must let their doctor know.
The HSE has said the number of people on the waiting list for a routine colonoscopy has increased by 60% in the last 12 months as many clinics were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic surges.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Dr Andrews said that for every 10,000 awaiting a colonoscopy, around 40 will be diagnosed with cancer.
He called for those on waiting lists to be vaccinated early so they can be treated safely and more quickly.
The consultant also stressed that if bowel cancer is detected early it is curable, but delays may lead to worse outcomes and more costly interventions, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Dr Andrews said that while longer-term investment is needed, in the immediate term it would be worthwhile to extend the working day and have weekend lists in endoscopy clinics to clear lists.
He said while patients can access private hospitals under the National Treatment Purchase Fund, he would favour the NPTF patients using public hospitals, where standards are high, and funding could then be secured to improve equipment and recruit more nurses to extend the service.
Dr Andrews said that endoscopy departments were not closed in the last wave of the virus, but are operating at 70% of usual capacity so it will take time to catch up with demand.
He said that the units also diagnose other conditions, including Crohn's disease and inflammatory conditions.
The Irish Cancer Society has said the number of people on waiting lists is concerning and will mean some people will receive a delayed cancer diagnosis.
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