Waiting times should be cut as a result of the new health contract

Deputy Peter Roffey says the agreement, which comes into force at the beginning of next year, should mean islanders will have to wait less time for operations.

The agreement, with the Medical Specialist Group, is expected to have a major impact on waiting times at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH).

At the moment, patients needing specialist operations have to wait up to 16 weeks, but it is hoped to cut that to eight weeks by the beginning of 2004.

Deputy Roffey says this will place a burden on the hospital, unless it can expand.

Extra staff

In particular, he says the PEH needs a fourth operating theatre.

He also says the hospital needs to take on more theatre nurses and technicians.

Deputy Roffey said the new agreement would require an increase in staff numbers.

"We are talking about probably 27 extra members of staff.

"They would range across departments such as operating theatres, intensive care, surgical wards, the day-patient unit, sterile services, pharmacy, radiology and pathology.