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05/06/2003
Minister welcomes fall in hospital waiting lists
NIO Health Minister Des Browne has welcomed the news that hospital waiting lists have fallen for the second quarter in succession.
The figures reveal that the number of people waiting was down by more than 2,000 - a fall of 20%.
Commenting on the figures, Mr Browne said: “This is a clear indication that our efforts at tackling the waiting problem are bearing fruit. It is worth pointing out that these reductions have been achieved against a background of rising demand. Our hospitals are busier than ever – compared with the same quarter last year, for example, over 3,000 extra patients were treated. Boards and Trusts deserve great credit for this effort.”
The Minister also welcomed a decrease in the number of patients waiting for outpatient appointments, saying: “Fewer people are waiting for outpatient appointments and that is down to hospitals and primary care working together to ensure that appointment systems are improved and that, where possible, alternatives to hospital referral are explored. Over the coming months, I hope that this work can be intensified.”
The Minister also pointed out that patients could also play their part by notifying hospitals if they are unable to turn up for appointments, to enable other more needy people to get their treatment.
Boards and Trusts are also implementing a range of waiting list initiatives to reduce the numbers waiting for hospital treatment and to shorten waiting times. Measures have also been introduced to manage waiting lists more effectively.
“While these figures demonstrate that we are heading in the right direction, it is important that the momentum we have achieved over the recent months is maintained into the future," the Minister concluded.
(MB)
The figures reveal that the number of people waiting was down by more than 2,000 - a fall of 20%.
Commenting on the figures, Mr Browne said: “This is a clear indication that our efforts at tackling the waiting problem are bearing fruit. It is worth pointing out that these reductions have been achieved against a background of rising demand. Our hospitals are busier than ever – compared with the same quarter last year, for example, over 3,000 extra patients were treated. Boards and Trusts deserve great credit for this effort.”
The Minister also welcomed a decrease in the number of patients waiting for outpatient appointments, saying: “Fewer people are waiting for outpatient appointments and that is down to hospitals and primary care working together to ensure that appointment systems are improved and that, where possible, alternatives to hospital referral are explored. Over the coming months, I hope that this work can be intensified.”
The Minister also pointed out that patients could also play their part by notifying hospitals if they are unable to turn up for appointments, to enable other more needy people to get their treatment.
Boards and Trusts are also implementing a range of waiting list initiatives to reduce the numbers waiting for hospital treatment and to shorten waiting times. Measures have also been introduced to manage waiting lists more effectively.
“While these figures demonstrate that we are heading in the right direction, it is important that the momentum we have achieved over the recent months is maintained into the future," the Minister concluded.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
