Scan delays 'put patients at risk'

Almost half a million people are being forced to wait for important scans at NHS hospitals.

A report by the independent watchdog the Audit Commission shows huge delays in radiology services in hospitals across England and Wales.

It blames shortages in equipment and staff, and inefficient use of machines.

And it warns the delays are causing a "bottleneck" in the NHS and are preventing many patients from getting the medical care they need.

Doctors believe the long waits could be putting the lives of some patients at risk.

The report also reveals many patients in need of MRI and CT scans - which can detect cancer and heart defects - are waiting months to be seen.

Long waits

It found that 110,000 patients were waiting for MRI scans in March 2001. While the average wait was five months, many patients were waiting almost nine months to have the test.

Another 128,000 were waiting an average of two months for a general ultrasound. But at some hospitals, patients wait as long as three months.

There were similar long waits for colon tests, gynaecological ultrasounds and CT scans.

Generally, doctors prioritise those patients who are suspected of having life-threatening diseases like cancer or brain tumours and these are seen more quickly.

Most patients in need of X-rays were seen quickly. But those affected by long delays include those with hip and other orthopaedic problems and those with neurological symptoms like severe headaches.

Doctors acknowledged that some patients with serious conditions may be affected.

Professor Helen Carty, a senior member of the Royal College of Radiologists, told BBC News Online: "There may be patients with diseases who if they were diagnosed earlier could have a better chance of survival."

Professor Carty, who works as a consultant radiologist at Liverpool's Alder Hey Children's Hospital, said the report was a fair summary of what is going on.

The report revealed 41% of the equipment used to carry out scans on the NHS is out-of-date.

Staff shortages

It also acknowledged a huge shortage of staff was contributing to many of the delays.

There is an estimated national shortage of 5,000 radiographers while almost one in seven radiologist posts are vacant.

"There may be patients with diseases who if they were diagnosed earlier could have a better chance of survival"

Prof Helen Carty Royal College of Radiologists

The commission called on the Department of Health to draw up a national strategy to tackle these staff shortages.