Cataract Operations Fall Way Short of Targets
21st November 2008
After reading a report compiled by the Dr Foster Good Hospital Guide Anne Main looked at the figures for local health trusts.
After reading a report compiled by the Dr Foster Good Hospital Guide Anne Main looked at the figures for local health trusts.
Anne said:
"It is comforting that waiting times for hip replacements at local hospitals are around the national average. Given the difference that a new hip can make to someone's life this is welcome news.
More worryingly is the length of time that St Albans' residents are waiting for surgery on cataracts. The national average is 95 days, but those being treated by the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust wait an average of 124 days and those being treated by the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust are forced to wait an average of 152 days. It is obvious that the length of time waiting for this operation is falling way short of targets. The positive impact that cataract surgery can have on a patient's life means it is particularly concerning that those in St Albans who need this surgery face such long waits." "
