A radiologist claims there could be delayed diagnosis of serious illnesses in UHK due to a number of issues.
Dr Martin Schranz, a consultant in radiology in the hospital, says work outsourcing, clerical backlogs, staff departures and a lack of engagement are contributing to delays in patients receiving proper care. Dr Schranz claims issues in University Hospital Kerry are contributing to a reduction in the level of care and patient follow up.
He says there's a lack of engagement on issues relating to scans, in particular, in a process called ward attending; this is an administrative task which is akin to getting a patient on the hospital's internal system, which aids with onward referral and care. He also says some patients' referrals can't be traced, which results in them giving up and coming back later when their illnesses have worsened.
In response, UHK says there is an agreed referral pathway in place between GPs and radiology. This is an electronic referral process that allows for the tracing of referrals and, aside from a short period during the cyber-attack, UHK says there have been no delays with ward attending.
In 2020, there were over 71, 000 investigations undertaken in the radiology department of UHK. Dr Martin Schranz says he fears that people in Kerry will suffer delayed diagnosis of their illnesses, due to the issues in the hospital.
Full hospital response below.
A spokesperson for University Hospital Kerry said: There is an agreed common referral pathway in place between GP’s and University Hospital Kerry Radiology. This is an electronic referral process that allows for the complete traceability of referrals. Aside from the short period as a direct result of the cyber-attack, there have been no delays with ward attending. Over the past three years, there has been significant investment in Radiology, including the upgrade of Fluourscopy Room; upgrade of General x-ray room; purchase of 2nd CT scanner; purchase of portable ultrasound machine to facilitate patients requiring Ultrasound during Covid-19; and development of Interventional radiology service. All of these investments have greatly enhanced patient care, improves patient flow, bed capacity, and supports patient discharge throughout the hospital. In 2020, there were over 71, 000 investigations undertaken in Radiology. In the interest of patients care and safety and to ensure timely diagnosis, outsourcing of services has been utilised on an ongoing basis. This is regularly risk assessed and additional images are allocated if required. Recruitment of Radiology staff has been ongoing and there are now over 30 radiographer staff at the hospital.
