Age Concern New Zealand

Serving the needs of older people
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Waiting lists

Hospital corridor by Julie (70)

In August, we surveyed our SeniorVoice members about waiting times for hip and knee replacements and cataract removals.

The majority knew at least one person waiting for surgery.

The wait for hip replacements ranged from 2 months to 2 years. For knee replacements, the span was even longer, ranging from 3 months to 10 years. And for cataract removals it was from 1 month to 3 years.

The effects of waiting for elective surgery ranged from small inconveniences, such as having to carry around a magnifying glass to read, to severe deterioration of enjoyment of life, as a result of not being able to walk or drive.

We asked, "has their enjoyment of life decreased significantly as a result of having to wait for the operation?" The answer was overwhelmingly 'yes' (78.6%).

Negative impacts identified by SeniorVoice members included:

  • Inability to move freely
  • Disqualified from mixing freely with community.
  • Need to carry a magnifying glass to read labels and books
  • It's still dangerous and getting worse for me to drive!
  • Pain when walking and sitting
  • Continuous pain
  • Simply not being able to see properly - unable to see the number and destination of a bus as it approaches, having to peer closely at a computer screen, and finding difficulty in reading.

Comment

Age Concern monitors the impact of Government policies and services for older people at local and national levels. Changes in the provision of public and private healthcare has significant impact for older people, as well as the whole community.

Age Concern's key health policy outcomes:

  • All older people have timely access to affordable, integrated health and disability support services that are responsive to the diverse and changing needs of older people and those who care for them.
  • Healthy life-styles and supportive environments enhance older people's well-being and enable future generations to age in better health

Age Concern's Focus on Health

Issues affecting the quality and quantity of healthcare services for older people are regularly brought to the Government's attention, based on feedback from local communities around the country.

Age Concern has also taken leadership in promoting men's health issues and advising men on ways to safeguard their health and well-being. Go to our Men's Health pages.