Over a million BC residents are currently waiting to see a specialist according to a survey from the Consultant Specialists of BC.
According to the report, which was in conjunction with Doctors of BC surveyed roughly 1,000 specialists revealed the average waitlist has 282 patients on average.
This includes the first consultation happening at four weeks for urgent cases, 10 weeks for semi-urgent matters, and up to 10 months for non-urgent ones.
The waits are often further compounded by additional wait times for subsequent diagnostic procedures, treatments, and other procedures.
“For years, specialist doctors have had concerns about the increasing number of patients waiting for care along with the negative impact longer waits are having on their health. As well, the stress level for specialists themselves impacts them professionally and personally, contributing to burnout, medical leaves, and reduced quality of life,” said Doctors of BC President, Dr Charlene Lui.
“Neither patients nor doctors can afford to continue down this path.”
63 per cent of respondents report their waitlists have grown over the past two years, placing additional strain on both patients and physicians.
Based on the survey results, both groups recommend the following solutions:
- Modernizing waitlist management systems.
- Expanding team-based specialist care.
- Introducing flexible payment models to support patient care.
- Investing in specialist training and recruitment.
- Enhancing rural outreach and providing resources for overburdened clinics.
“In a similar survey that we conducted almost two years ago with BC’s Specialist physicians, it’s disheartening to see that the situation has been worsening,” said Dr Robert Carruthers, President of Consultant Specialists of BC.
“Back then, the survey illustrated about 1 million British Columbians were waiting for Specialist care. British Columbians need things to improve.”
A link to the survey can be found here.
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