GSD concerned about surgeon resignation

The Opposition has questioned whether the latest surgeon resignation at St Bernard’s Hospital Orthopaedics department will impact the “extraordinarily high” waiting times for routine referrals.
Last year the GSD highlighted the resignation of three consultant surgeons and yesterday said that another surgeon had recently decided to leave.
The Opposition said this latest departure will lead to further reliance on locum surgeons and is “bound to have an impact” on the performance of the Orthopaedics department.
Average waiting times for routine referrals at the Orthopaedics department range between 12 and 14 months.
The GSD added that there was an upward trend in cancelled operations since 2014, with 362 cancellations in 2016.
This follows an “unprecedented morale survey” conducted last year by doctors.
The survey showed significant problems with the morale of doctors and a lack of confidence in the management of the GHA, the GSD said.
“The Opposition will continue to reach out to service users and health care professionals and drive the health of our community to the top of the political agenda,” said Opposition Leader Daniel Feetham.
“The Government is failing and losing direction on the delivery of healthcare in our community. It is not surprising that there is a problem with morale amongst staff at the hospital.”