ASL 1 Abruzzo launches weekend task force to cut specialist wait times

A special task force of the regional health authority ASL 1 Abruzzo has been operating on weekends to shorten waiting lists for outpatient appointments and diagnostic procedures. The extraordinary plan, organised by the strategic direction of the agency, began on 4‑5 July and continues with scheduled “Open‑day” sessions throughout July. Available slots cover specialties with the longest queues, including allergology, pulmonology, vascular surgery, radiology and dermatology at hospitals in Avezzano, L’Aquila and Sulmona. Patients are contacted by the CUP offices and offered earlier dates; they may accept the new appointment or keep the original one. Manager Paolo Costanzi described the effort as “supplementary work to intervene on certain disciplines and provide additional services in July to shorten waiting times.”