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Almost a third of patients referred to a specialist at Jersey's General Hospital have to wait more than three months.

Health minister Anne Pryke told the States that 30% of people referred to the pain clinic wait more than 13 weeks for an appointment.

She added that a staffing shortage is part of the problem.

"There has been a post vacant for a nurse specialist since the beginning of this year," she said.

Ms Pryke said: "The nurse is able to hold clinics in their own right so that has caused some delays.

"The vacancy has been advertised, recruitment is underway and there are a number of candidates for the interview."