Waiting time for surgeries is increasing

The average waiting time for common surgeries is increasing for the best part of the year, according to the Office of Directorate of Health. It is reported on the website of the office that the waiting times exceed what would be considered acceptable for most types of surgeries.

Will Þór Þórsson, the Minister of Health, stated in a written response to Morgunblaðið that this is largely explained by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Health is currently mapping the situation and organizing the service.

"There is also a major staff analysis going on within the ministry as the ministry is trying to tackle the shortage of health care workers within the health care field. One of the solution is to have more students in health care disciplines working and improving the work environment of the health-care workforce," the response reads.

Negotiating with the private sector

But doesn't this situation call for employing as many as possible to deal with this?

"It is true that all providers need to help reduce waiting lists for surgeries. The Ministry has asked for information from all departments to get an idea of the capacity to have more surgeries scheduled to reduce the waiting lists. Many departments already work at full capacity in terms of human resources and the number of beds for patients. The Icelandic Health Insurance are in talks with various independent service providers about solutions. Just recently a contract has been made for cataract surgery and a contract for abdominal surgery for diagnosis and treatment related to gynecological conditions, including endometriosis is underway.

The ministry has been actively working to increase the dialogue between institutions, regardless of their operational form. “Cooperation between the parties is a key part of utilizing our human resources and the knowledge available in the country,” the minister says.