Waiting time for obstetrics two weeks, says minister
(CNS):The waiting period for obstetric and gynaecological services is about two weeks, the minister for health Osbourne Bodden has said, which he says compares favourably to other jurisdictions. Following concerns raised by Ezzard Miller, North Side's MLA in the Legislative Assembly last month that women were being refused appointments and that the hospital clinic was being badly managed, Bodden released a statement Monday setting out the procedures relating to the clinic and noted that waiting time for specialist services are generally longer than others. Measures had been taken to bring them down, he said, but patient volume was driving the waiting times up.
“The waiting period for obstetric and gynaecological services is approximately two weeks. If a particular physician is requested the waiting time may be six to eight weeks, although most physicians will see extra patients in clinic, if the need is confirmed by the midwife,” the health minister said in a lengthy statement setting out procedures (posted below)
He said that at present the receptionist at the obstetrics clinic At George Hospital makes the appointment at the desk.
“If no appointment is available, if the appointment is being made for a new antenatal patient, or if the patient requests an earlier appointment, then the receptionist will refer the patient to the midwife for review. If the midwife is with a patient in a clinic room or out on home visits, the receptionist will take the number and have the midwife return the call, the minister said as he explained the procedure.
There are three consultant obstetricians/gynaecologists and two registrars with ob/gyn experience, one of whom covers Faith Hospital. The physician service is complemented by midwifery services and clinics are scheduled every day except Monday and Thursday, which are surgery days. The minister pointed to fifteen clinic sessions each week with an ob/gyn on call for obstetric and gynaecological emergencies. However the minister said that in the case of a miscarriage which his parliamentary colleague had noted when he raised his concerns about the treatment constituents had received, Bodden said the referral to the emergency room was correct.
“ln the case of the person with a miscarriage being directed to the emergency room, this was the correct procedure in what was indeed an emergency situation,” the minister stated. “In most instances, these persons require blood work, ultrasound, and preparation for the operating room. The emergency room, with the ob/gyn on call, is the department best suited to handle this level of acute care, as the clinic is not prepared to deliver the rapid intervention required.”
Comparing Cayman’s two week wait times to the more than four weeks in Canada and the USA and the wide range of 8 days to several weeks in the UK, he said Caymanian patients were not alone in the length of wait times that people may face to access obstetricians and gynaecologists.
Apologising on behalf of the HSA, for any inconvenience he said that the authority strives daily to improve customer care and service.
See full statement below
Category: Crime
if women would keep their family planning appointments then there would not be so great a volume of clients. There are waiting times in private clinics as well but with such a high volume of Cinico or government supported persons a back up is to be expected. I have had care at the hospital with no real problems. Keep the follow up appointments you are given and if anything arises go to the E.R. They will call a doctor from there.
Prenatal care is very important, and every child is preciious….but so is planning your family. If you cannot afford to have a large family, than do not do so. If you cannot be bothered to use birth control do not expect those of us who are responsible to pay for your mistakes. I am tired of these young girls with babies throwing their lives away, and expecting Social Services, and the hardworking people of this Island to pick up their tab. This, also, is why we have so many problems in the govt schools.
As usual E is jumping up and down on anecdotal evidence, without checking out the facts. Smoke pot and mirrors.
The HSA knew a few private OBGYN doctors left the island and did nothing. The Women's resource Center is always fully staffed with admin (zzz) but no health practiononers.
We cannot offer teenage girls contraception (horrors) but education to stem the flow of this insane baby mamma cycle must start at the teen age.
Free teen clinics needs to be offered as the myths that our young women swallow for preganancy prevention are just scary. Ask any local teen and they will tell you 3 ways (not-true) how not to get pregnant while having sex.
It all comes down once again to education and preventative measures. We either pay now or pay social services 3x times over later.
Can't wait to vote for you and your administration. Again minister Ossie
wow, you compare Cayman's little population to waiting times in Canada, USA and UK? Bad comparison.
Why? Bigger countries should ave greater resources. Apparently you think comparisons should only be made when they are unfavourable to Cayman.
Are these individuals on the mandatory government health care as a government worker or are these the indigent that are complaining about the wait time? The rest of the country have private insurance and have options to go elsewhere.
yes the government can make best efforts to fix the waiting times. People can also take care of themselves and work for themselves. Plan for the children. Save the money to get private health care. Unplanned? Don't want the child? Fly off island to 'take care of the problem' or find the local black market for the abortion pill. Want the child and don't have enough money. Try your best to find the money. The father should help. Ask family to help for money to get private care. Read on the internet for 'what to do' It is hard but find a part time job. The could only be directed at the lower income sector of society because mid to upper levels have the financial cushion to have options and would never consider the public system are a primary means of health care.
This article appears related to the teacher article. Chicken or egg?
In have been an in patient and out patient now for about 5 years and the passion and care has been exceptional. Liike everywhere you do have always a few bad apple and even with that I have great respect for the DoCtors and Nurses. Last year while visiting my father in Montreal Canada who was 85 years old became very ill and had to wait 10 hours to see a Dr and his follow up was 2 months away. Grass not necessary greener even in major cities. Give me my GT hospital anytime. God Bless. Michel Lemay.
It doesn't take 4 weeks to get an appointment where I live in the US. I could call today and see a Dr. , today.
:Pregnant and Living in FL
Who cares, fix the dump Ozzie.
I DON’T EXPECT NO BETTER
From Osburne. Waiting time of two weeks is acceptable? Where in the real worl is this happening?
You don't want to pay taxes, you get awful health care and public education. Simple. Keeping drinking the kool-aid the rich are offering people.
I have been suffering from severe pain in my leg.
The public hospital is a joke. It takes months to get an appointment with a doctor.
Nobody cares, but I am in pain 24 hours a day.
Thank you mr. politician.
Yes, and my head hurts.
Is that the politicians' fault too?