Patients needing surgery for shoulder, hand and arm problems could face a wait of more than seven months even to see a Southend Hospital consultant for a first appointment.

Hospital bosses have admitted that there is "huge stress" on orthopaedic clinics, particularly for consultant Greg Packer.

Andrew Pike, head of operations and service development, said Mr Packer was "far and away the most popular orthopaedic surgeon", with special expertise in hand and upper limb problems.

Even once a patient has seen a specialist and been placed on the list, it could be another 18 months before they reach the operating table.

Mr Pike said: "We need another upper limb surgeon. At the moment we have a locum, but until we get another hand surgeon, we will see unacceptable waits for Mr Packer's clinic."

The hospital has just recruited an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in back surgery and intends to advertise for an additional hand surgeon in the spring.

But Mr Pike warned there is a national shortage of orthopaedic consultants.

Meanwhile, he suggested that patients consider seeing another consultant where the wait for a first appointment would be more like 14 to 15 weeks.

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