Proposals for radiation oncology services invited to help manage waiting lists
Southern DHB is inviting proposals from health care providers able to support our radiation oncology service, as demand for this important care continues to exceed the capacity in the service.
A Request for Proposals has been issued, seeking options for patients in our care to have their first specialist assessment, planning and the subsequent radiation oncology treatment course at another provider. This would include managing travel arrangements where necessary.
The RFP is part of the DHB’s efforts to reduce waiting times for patients and build a more resilient radiation oncology service, says Southern DHB CEO Chris Fleming.
“In recent years we have faced challenges maintaining and growing our service to meet the demand, and existing challenges recruiting locums and senior medical staff have been made even harder due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“By seeking arrangements with other providers, we want to build a service that is less susceptible to burgeoning wait-lists when we see spikes in demand or need to manage staff absences. We are very concerned about the current wait times some of our patients are experiencing and need to do everything we can to ensure our patients receive their care in a timely manner.”
Fleming says the DHB would not place a limit on the number of patients, or the duration for which it would be utilising services provided by external organisations.
“Our concern is to reduce the waiting lists, so we’ll be seeking additional support for as long as is required to achieve this.”
Currently the DHB is offering a number of patients the option of receiving care at St George’s Hospital in Christchurch, focusing on those who have been waiting the longest.
It has also recruited additional nursing and junior medical staff as part of building the capacity of the internal team.
However, Fleming acknowledges the DHB is limited in how much it can increase local capacity until an additional senior doctor can be recruited to the team, either as a locum or on a permanent basis.
“Recruitment therefore remains an ongoing priority. However, we do not wish to rely on this as a solution, as we are aware we will always face fluctuations in demand and the need to manage staff leave, which is why developing ongoing partnerships is an important strategy.”
Media queries: communications@southerndhb.govt.nz