Covid-19: Vital surgeries delayed over patients not testing

Vital surgeries in one of Northern Ireland's biggest health trusts are being delayed as patients are not doing Covid tests at home, officials say.

In one unit in the Ulster Hospital over a 12-day period, 76 patients turned up for their procedures without doing a lateral flow test.

The trust said this was putting an extra burden on staff.

Christine Allam, from the South Eastern Health Trust, said it was essential that patients tested before admission.

"Theatre resources are very expensive and very limited at the minute and waiting lists are very lengthy," she said.

"Potentially, theatre is delayed at the very beginning of the list and there is a possibility that patients booked for later on in the list may have to be cancelled because of the theatre capacity."

Patients are required to take three self-test Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) before being admitted for surgery.

The results of these tests must be registered on the government's self-reporting portal.

Christine Allam says not doing the LFT can have a knock-on effect

Previously, patients were asked to attend for a PCR Covid test 72 hours before surgery and also to self-isolate until they were admitted for their surgical procedure.

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The lack of patients testing with LFTs prior to an elective procedure in the South Eastern Health Trust has meant extra time is needed to carry out testing before admission.

Ms Allam, interim assistant director of elective surgery and radiology services, said this could result in delays or cancellations of surgery.

"We are trying to keep these elective surgery pathways green i.e. Covid free and if patients are coming in not having carried out their LFTs there is a high risk that they could actually pass Covid on to other patients and staff within the unit," she said.

Instructions on how to carry out and register a LFT are provided to every patient when they are booked for surgery.

'Delays for patients'

Other trusts said they have experienced similar problems with a significant number of patients.

A spokesperson for the Northern Trust said it reviewed one of its surgical sites on Monday and that "25% of patients arrived for their procedure without a valid lateral flow test result".

"This is causing delays of 15 to 30 minutes per patient in addition to the nursing time required to undertake tests," the spokesperson added.

The Southern Trust said that "in one day earlier this month, 21 patients turned up at hospital without completing the required tests".

"Whilst our units are managing these patients, it is causing some difficulties," the Trust said.

"It is absolutely vital for patients to follow the instructions to isolate, take a lateral flow test and show evidence of your results. Not doing this correctly will cause delays on the day for you, staff and other patients - or could mean we need to cancel your procedure."

It urged patients to follow instructions on their appointment letter.

"With so many people waiting on hospital procedures, it's so important that we make the best use of every slot."

Belfast Trust follows the same guidance as other Trusts with a set of three self-test Lateral Flow Tests being undertaken, but said it has had no issues with compliance.