MHK - time for endoscopy scrutiny

Hooper welcomes improved waiting times

Health officials are hoping that by April next year, the waiting time for endoscopy procedures will be reduced to six weeks, from what was 12 months.

The Department of Health and Social Care moved endoscopy equipment from Ramsey Cottage Hospital to Noble's to 'consolidate' the service, following a 'patient safety' issue.

The 'backlog' of patients waiting for diagnostic procedures has since been cleared, with efforts now being made to work through what was a 'year-long' waiting list.

Minister Kate Beecroft was this week asked for an update on the centralisation of the service by Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

He says scrutiny of the move should continue, but initial signs seem to show it was the right decision: