The problem relates to delays in typed radiology reports, which include X-rays, CT, MRI and ultrasound scans.
These have been read by a specialist and the results dictated on to tapes for a report to be typed by clerical staff and issued to the referring consultant.
A spokeswoman for the hospital said they were currently “managing an increase” in radiology productivity and “a deficit in clerical resources” had caused the delay in the typing of the reports. “There is no risk to patient safety. This is an administrative concern and it is important that its significance is not misunderstood or misrepresented. We have a process in place for the radiologists, which they must follow to ensure that any critical or urgent findings are immediately brought to the attention of the referring doctor and to the clerical staff who then transcribe and send the report immediately.”
She said the radiology department had “identified this risk” and is putting in place a three-pronged response.
The first of these is “an upgraded approach” to demand management involving clinical and technical staff.
Second, the department is implementing “a voice recognition module” that will work within the existing systems. Finally, there will be “a reassessment of allocation of necessary clerical resources”.
It is not the first time the hospital has been at the centre of controversy concerning backlogs – it emerged in 2009 that there were 57,000 unread X-rays and unprocessed GP referral letters.
