This surge has prompted the hospital to inform some patients that it can only accommodate complex or urgent cases, recommending them to seek appointments with gastroenterological services elsewhere.
Nadine Kohner from the CHL’s communication department explained that despite adding another doctor last year, totalling seven gastroenterologists, they are still unable to meet the escalating demand. Rejected appointments primarily pertain to patients without pre-existing medical conditions or risk factors, accounting for approximately seven to ten requests per week, which constitutes less than 5% of the total enquiries.
One criterion for rejection is the request for an endoscopy, such as a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, administered with anaesthesia. These procedures involve additional complexities, necessitating consultations with an anaesthetist and consequently reducing the available appointment slots.
Despite performing 800 more endoscopies this year compared to the previous year, the CHL has witnessed an extraordinary 30% surge in consultation and examination requests. According to Kohner, several factors contribute to this escalation, including population growth, an aging demographic, and an increased emphasis on preventive healthcare. In addition, the hospital has observed a growing number of cross-border workers seeking appointments in Luxembourg.
In response to the situation, the CHL has called for a nationwide analysis of the issue and the establishment of a national service to allocate appointments. In the short term, the CHL plans to resume examinations at the Eich clinic by year-end or early next year, in order to offer more appointments. The necessary equipment for this expansion has already been ordered, and the possibility of recruiting more doctors is also under consideration.
