‘Mind-blowing delays’: Staff shortages leave cancer patients in limbo

Two thirds of cancer patients are not receiving their test results on time due to critical staff shortages in Queensland’s pathology laboratories.

Two thirds of cancer patients are not receiving their test results on time due to critical staff shortages in Queensland’s pathology laboratories, with turnaround times stretching well beyond nationally recommended time frames.

As of April, just 34 per cent of HISL6 tests conducted at state-run pathology labs were returned within the 7-day recommended time frame, with some patients waiting more than two months for test results informing them whether their cancer treatment had worked.

Other tests used for early diagnosis, or HISL 4.1 samples, are more time critical with an ideal turnaround time of three days.

However, these tests continue to take an average of 10 days to be returned and in some cases, more than 400 days.

These time critical samples are usually made up of blood tests or biopsies used to identify cases of breast cancer, skin cancer, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, and bowel diseases, meaning some patients suffered for more than a year before receiving a conclusive diagnosis.

Queensland’s pathology workload has increased by 50 per cent over the last decade, alongside an 11 per cent rise in histology resignations over the past 12 months.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In an effort to increase the workforce, Pathology Queensland launched a recruitment drive, securing 15 pathologists, six registrars and 13 laboratory support staff.

Nearly $7m will also be spent on digital pathology scanners in Cairns, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and at Prince Charles and Princess Alexandra hospitals to help speed up turnaround times and reduce backlogs.

A health department spokeswoman said the government was investing $16 million to address shortfalls within Pathology Queensland but it would take time to drive turnaround times down, with histology workloads increasing 1 per cent every month.

“Investments will take time to drive turnaround times, but already with an additional 34 staff on board we are starting to see significant improvements,” she said.

“I can assure Queenslanders that Pathology Queensland triages all cases, ensuring the most urgent samples are prioritised.”

While average turnaround days have slightly improved compared to the previous six months, delays are still well beyond time frames recommended by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS).

LNP Health spokeswoman Ros Bates said delayed results could mean life and death for patients in limbo.

“Whether for a skin biopsy or a mastectomy, Queenslanders shouldn’t be delayed by a health system at breaking-point,” she said.

“These mind-blowing delays mean patients are now waiting more than a year for test results that should take days.”

Cancer Council Queensland spokesman Bradley Cameron said according to estimates, more than 350,000 Queenslanders would likely be living with some form of cancer by 2030, but the organisation offered a range of support measurers for those awaiting diagnosis, test results or treatment.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis or supporting a loved one with cancer can be a confronting experience mentally and emotionally,” he said.

“Our counselling can assist Queenslanders at any stage of their cancer experience, from diagnosis through to treatment, living with the disease, survival and grief support.

“We want Queenslanders impacted by cancer to know they are not alone.”

Originally published as ‘Mind-blowing delays’: Staff shortages leave cancer patients in limbo