More than 1,300 people are enduring excessive waits for urgent bowel cancer testing, largely due to delays caused by Covid-19. The Irish Cancer Society has called for urgent action to ensure people do not risk a delayed diagnosis as a result of the delays. People seeking a colonoscopy are supposed to be tested within 28 days but latest HSE figures show 1,333 patients have been waiting longer than this target time. In total, there are 2,700 people on the urgent colonoscopy waiting list. Dr Anthony O’Connor, a consultant gastroenterologist at Tallaght hospital said it was best practice to test people requiring an urgent colonoscopy in 28 days.

Source: The Irish Times June 16, 2020 14:48 UTC