NUMBERS of ear, nose, and throat patients in Otago waiting for surgery rose more than 17% in the past year, but Southern DHB says it is meeting government-mandated time frames.
Emergency medicine and surgery general manager Dr Colleen Coop said 533 patients were waiting for surgery last month, compared with 454 at the corresponding time last year.
"Patients waiting for surgery are expected to be seen within six months, consistent with national elective surgery targets.
"Patients are assessed for elective surgery using nationally recognised scoring tools which ensure that there is fairness in prioritising patients for access. Patients who are offered surgery are given certainty they will receive their operation within six months," she said in an email.
Of the 533 patients, 144 were waiting for skin lesion surgery, compared with 137 at the corresponding time last year.
Patients just below the threshold for surgery had also increased, with 160 on active review, compared with 105 the same time last year.
"A number of patients, who are just below the threshold for surgery, are placed in active review where their condition is clinically reassessed every six months.
"In the interim, their GP is able to manage their care and can refer to a specialist for reassessment should their condition deteriorate."
In June, pressure on the department prompted it to stop accepting some semi-urgent ear, nose, and throat referrals, including chronic tonsilitis.
The department was again taking semi-urgent cases, Dr Coop said.
