BOLZANO. “you talk in the newspaper about long times for a non-urgent outpatient visit, for radiological services or endoscopic tests, but even certain minor operations have unbearable waits.” More and more frequently, in recent times, we receive reports from readers about the difficulty of being operated on in a reasonable time for minor pathologies at the Bolzano hospital. Small operations for benign pathologies, such as varicose veins, orthopedic operations, hernias.
«My impossible hernia»
Among the latest protests is that of a citizen who was expected to wait much longer than a year for an inguinal hernia. «I have informed myself – he writes – and waiting is not good. The hernia does not regress on its own, but the more time passes the more it tends to get worse. So the sooner I have the operation, the better. How can I wait more than a year? This amazes me even more – he continues – in light of the inauguration of 16 new very modern operating theatres”. Which,apparently,do not seem to be sufficient to ensure the disposal of the territory’s needs and the accumulation linked to Covid.
Ploner: «Scandalous»
Franz Ploner,provincial councilor of Team K,former head of the Anesthesia department of the Bressanone hospital and medical director of Vipiteno – says that waiting more than a year for an inguinal hernia is scandalous. «it is indeed an operation, like varicose veins, which can be carried out in our suburban hospitals. There are operating rooms and in 80% of cases local anesthesia is sufficient. You enter in the morning and leave in the evening. I wonder what the ASL is waiting for to meet patients and organize the work in a more appropriate way.”
Moreover, it has been said and repeated over the years that Bolzano must do high and very high surgery along with oncology surgery and this already fills 100% of the activity of the major hospital. «Minor surgery can be performed in the suburbs». and speaking of hernia, we received another report from a reader: «I had already understood that public health was not working very well for some time, such as on the occasion of bookings for specialist visits or rehabilitation treatments, for which I had to wait over 4/5 months. In particular, I give the example of a prescription for infiltration aimed at the spine due to a painful hernia which I had to book privately because otherwise I would have had to wait more than four months.”
ASL: rooms open on weekends
The ASL does what it can and for a few months – thanks to the additional services - it has also opened some rooms on weekends for operations on tonsils,hernias and gallbladders. But the effort is not enough.
«Bolzano - concludes Ploner – cannot do everything and it is right that the suburbs that want to do their part should also be involved».
Freelance surgical profession
We remind you that the ASL announces that from 2025 outpatient surgery services will be authorized as a freelancer. The summary is one: the patient pays and chooses the surgeon with the local health authority that makes the operating rooms available. Minor operations are scheduled to start for Ophthalmology (starting with cataracts), Vascular surgery and Orthopaedics.
How can patients help reduce wait times for non-urgent medical procedures?
Interview: Addressing Healthcare Wait Times in Bolzano
time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today,we’re discussing an increasingly pressing issue in bolzano’s healthcare system—specifically,the long wait times for non-urgent outpatient visits and minor surgical procedures. With us is Dr.Elena Rossi, a healthcare policy expert with extensive experience in medical service management. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi.
Dr.Elena Rossi: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Recently,we’ve received numerous reports from our readers highlighting the unbearable wait times for minor operations at Bolzano hospital. Can you shed some light on why this is happening?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely. Ther are several factors at play here. Firstly, Bolzano, like manny regions in Italy and europe, has faced an influx of patients post-pandemic as people who postponed treatments are now seeking care. Additionally, hospital resources are often stretched thin due to funding limitations and staffing shortages. When it comes to non-urgent procedures, the system tends to prioritize urgent cases, leading to prolonged waits for others.
Editor: It sounds like a complex issue. What specific types of minor operations are being delayed?
Dr.Rossi: The delays primarily affect procedures such as hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and endoscopic tests.While these are not life-threatening, they’re crucial for maintaining quality of life. Long wait times can lead to increased patient anxiety and potential deterioration in conditions.
Editor: That’s concerning. Can the hospital management take steps to alleviate these wait times? what solutions might be viable?
Dr. Rossi: Yes, there are several strategies that could help. First, improving operational efficiency is key—this may include optimizing scheduling systems, increasing operating room availability, and ensuring that the right number of staff are in place. Furthermore, implementing telehealth services for initial consultations can help to triage patients and prioritize those who need immediate attention. Collaborating with private facilities for non-urgent cases could also be an innovative approach to reduce the burden on public hospitals.
Editor: Beyond operational changes, what role does patient behavior play in this issue? Can patients contribute to reducing wait times?
Dr. Rossi: Certainly, patient awareness and behavior can significantly impact wait times.Encouraging patients to seek care early for minor issues rather than waiting until they become urgent could alleviate some pressure. Additionally, educating patients on which services are truly urgent versus non-urgent can definitely help them navigate the healthcare system more efficiently.
Editor: Great insights, Dr. Rossi. Looking ahead, what do you think the future holds for Bolzano’s healthcare system? Are there signs of enhancement on the horizon?
Dr. Rossi: I believe there is potential for improvement, but it will require concerted effort from healthcare authorities, hospital management, and the community. Balancing resource allocation, improving patient flow, and ensuring adequate staffing will be vital.Moreover, public awareness campaigns can empower patients to engage more proactively with their healthcare. If these elements align, we could see a positive shift in the near future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Rossi,for sharing your expertise and shedding light on this important issue. It’s clear that while challenges exist, there are paths forward for improving healthcare access in Bolzano.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you! I hope we can continue to engage in meaningful discussions to bring about positive change in the healthcare system.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us. We’ll keep you updated on developments in healthcare in bolzano and beyond. Until next time!