Radiologists are the latest group of specialists to ring alarm bells with the province about long waiting lists.
The specialists pointed to a “crisis” in wait times in all specialities, from cardiology to dermatology, neurology and oncology, citing examples of patients on the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island with “new cancer diagnoses waiting 2-3 months for their first visit with an oncologist.” In her letter, Yong-Hing cites wait times for breast biopsies and supplemental imaging such as digital breast tomosynthesis — 3D mammography — for patients with higher risks, including dense breasts and family history.
The B.C. Radiology Society is asking the province to address four key areas, including a shortage of medical imaging technologists, “outdated” equipment, extra imaging for patients at higher risk of breast cancer, and keeping open community imaging clinics that are at threat of closure.On Wednesday Dix noted a “significant increase” in positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanners in the cancer system. In 2019-2020, two PET/CT suites were added, one at B.C.