Elderly patients are having to wait in long queues and endure extended waiting times at False Bay Hospital’s outpatients department, with the local Pensioners Forum Facebook group calling for fast-tracking of appointments for over-80s, reports the Cape Argus.
The concerns relate to the length of time some older patients are reportedly having to wait before seeing a doctor in the Western Cape hospital, and whether greater consideration should be given to those who are over 80, or frail, or have difficulty sitting for extended periods.
The post reported that patients in their 80s and older often had to wait for several hours, with one allegedly sitting for four and a half hours in cold, draughty corridors before finally being seen by a doctor.
Although critical of the waiting times, the post made it clear that the concerns were not about the standard of medical care provided once patients reached the consulting room.
“The medical care once they reach the doctor is excellent. The doctors, nurses and staff deserve recognition for the care they provide,” the post stated.
However, it argued that while waiting is an accepted reality of the public healthcare system, spending several hours in a waiting room can be exhausting, painful and, in some cases, medically risky for elderly patients.
Western Cape Health and Wellness spokesperson Samantha Lee-Jacobs said reception staff at False Bay Hospital routinely identify patients who may require additional assistance, including elderly patients, wheelchair users and people with disabilities.
She added that the facility currently has an average waiting period of three months for outpatient appointments, with most patients seen within three hours of their scheduled appointment.
Waiting times, though, can vary depending on several factors, including the retrieval of patient folders, patients attending without appointments, the complexity of medical conditions and the overall demand for services, she said.
The department had not received any formal complaints relating to outpatient waiting times, she told the Argus.
Cape Argus article – Elderly patients face long waits for care at False Bay Hospital (Open access)
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