Reaction by general practitioners to the outcome of the recent audit report of 33 referrals to Dunedin Hospital colonoscopy service has been positive, South Link Health executive director Prof Murray Tilyard said.
In South Link Health's informal survey last year, some doctors raised concerns about access to colonoscopy, for some patients with possible bowel cancer and those considered at higher risk of developing it.
Prof Tilyard said doctors were pleased to see that the referrals investigated had been good, but recognised they could still improve.
Doctors were looking forward to a more robust prioritisation process beginning in primary care, and would like an electronic referral system.
Otago District Health Board staff began work on a referral template last year.
The board set up a multi-disciplinary gastroenterology project board in January. Its work will include looking at ways of increasing the number of colonoscopies, streamlining the referral process, improving facilities and administration systems, and increasing staffing.
Health and disability commissioner Ron Paterson, commenting on the audit report, said it would take a concerted effort to ensure appropriate access to public colonoscopy services for Otago patients.
Mr Paterson had expressed concern to the Ministry of Health and the board in 2008 that the colonoscopy service was under pressure, after investigating a complaint about the timeliness of a woman's colonoscopy for a potential cancer recurrence, and about a failure of the board to offer surveillance procedures according to national guidelines.
He was concerned that the board, because of resourcing issues, should be free to introduce its own access guidelines.
While the report did not make a finding on harm, it did show some rectal cancer patients had waited longer than appropriate for good outcomes, he said.
Mr Paterson said he was not surprised Minister of Health Tony Ryall wanted action to address the issues raised.
