Audit finds 20,000 overdue endoscopy procedures

Key points

• A preliminary audit has found that about 20,000 endoscopy procedures in New South Wales may be overdue, with final figures still to be validated. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said on Saturday the government would invest $17 million to address the delays.
• The audit followed concerns raised by clinicians and patients about endoscopy wait times. Endoscopies are used to investigate, diagnose and monitor a range of conditions, including bowel cancer.
• Cancer Council NSW chief executive Sarah Hosking said prolonged delays have long been a concern for patients and that early detection is vital.