Frustration as computer problem delays scan results

tcollins@thekmgroup.co.uk Patients awaiting X-ray and other scan results have been experiencing severe delays because of a computer glitch.

A backlog of at least two weeks has been reported by some patients whose GPs are waiting for results from the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Among them is Angela Couling, from South Ashford, who attended the hospital with her husband Cecil, 80, on Wednesday, July 3.

They are still awaiting the results of the X-ray performed on Mr Couling to check on a painful knee condition.

A new computer system being implemented across the county has been blamed for the delays.

Mrs Couling, 68, said: “I think it’s a pretty poor show really.

“I understand that we might not be a priority, but for people who are in pain or, worse, a lifethreatening condition, even the extra few days’ wait must be awful.

“In these days of computers you would have thought it would be much quicker. Maybe I’m expecting too much of the NHS.

“But surely they should have put a bit more planning into this, and made sure the system can do what it’s been designed to do.”

A spokesman for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust said: “The trust, along with hospitals across Kent and Medway, has experienced problems with a necessary delay in implementing a new, Kentwide electronic system for X-ray and scan results.

“All hospitals had robust contingency plans in place to ensure patients could continue to receive X-rays and scans as normal.

“The slower, manual system inevitably caused some delays in reporting results for non-urgent scans and X-rays.

“Urgent and emergency patients were prioritised, which meant the delays affected nonurgent referrals.

“The new system went live a week ago and the hospitals are now making good progress working through the delays,” the spokesman added.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Angela Couling