Surgery delays: Man feels forgotten after six-year wait

A County Tyrone man who has been waiting six years for a gall bladder operation has said he feels forgotten about by the health service.

John Doherty, 55, said he could not understand why he was unable to get updates on his operation.

BBC News NI can reveal almost 475,000 people are waiting for surgery or to see a consultant for the first time.

The Royal College of Surgeons wants patients to be told how long they will have to wait for treatment.

Mr Doherty said he felt anxious and depressed waiting for a telephone call from his local hospital and blamed the government for "letting him down".

"I feel forgotten about, they don't even get in touch with you, not even a letter to say it could happen three months down the line... they say they'll phone back but never do," he added.

"I feel neglected."

Mark Taylor, a consultant surgeon, people who had been languishing for years on lists deserved to know when to expect their surgery so they could attempt to get in shape for it.

He said about a one third of operations had to be cancelled daily as a result of people not being ready, either their blood pressure was too high, they were overweight or their diabetic control was not right.

"Pre-habilitation schemes can help to get patients ready for their operation as much as possible, a more personalised pre operation plan is required," he said.

Mr Taylor called on the government to have a proper conversation with the public about how hospitals might look in the future.

"This is not about closure, this is about the redesign and re-profiling of hospitals to get maximum gain," he said.

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Source: BBC News, 15 February 2022