Fewer long waits in A&E at Watford, data shows
and live on Freeview channel 276
But elsewhere in west Hertfordshire’s hospitals, waiting lists have been getting longer – with more than 100 patients now waiting for treatment for a year or more.
The figures were reported to a meeting of the West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust’s board meeting on Thursday (July 2).
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnd at the meeting it was acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic was continuing to have a significant impact on elective waiting times and performance.
According to national targets at least 95 per cent of patients should be treated in accident and emergency departments within four hours.
But in May at Watford General that figure was just 83.9 per cent.
That’s five per cent higher than in April, but it’s still 11 per cent below the national target.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMeanwhile the figures also show there are now 135 patients who have been waiting for treatment at the Trust – which runs Watford General, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead hospitals – for 52 weeks or longer.
That’s “dramatically” increased from the 53 that were recorded the previous month, says the report to the board.
And, says the report, some of these patients may ultimately be treated elsewhere.
It states: “While some long wait patients could be outsourced in due course, this is not an option for those waiting for treatment with services where there is a higher risk from a COVID-19 perspective.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn the previous 12 months a maximum of four patients had been waiting for 52-weeks or longer for treatment. And between October and February there had been none.
At the meeting it was acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic was continuing to have a significant impact on elective waiting times for and performance.
And it was reported that the rapid rise in long waits has increased the likelihood of patient harm.