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24/02/2015
A&E Waiting Times Increase
Waiting times increased at a number of A&E departments in Northern Ireland for the month of January, new figures have revealed.
The provisional statistics, published by the Department of Health, found that more patients had to wait over 12 hours before they were treated. A total of 380 people had to wait more than 12 hours – this compares to just 92 people the previous month.
The increase comes despite fewer people attending emergency departments.
In January, 54,910 people attended an A&E department, compared to 56,656 in December 2014.
Looking at the different departments, the Ulster Hospital had the largest increase in those waiting longer than 12 hours for treatment; 237 patients waited over 12 hours, compared to just 19 patients the previous year.
Six other A&E departments also reported breaches in treatment times. They were at Royal Victoria Hospital (68), Mater (17), Craigavon Area (9), Altnagelvin (6) and South West Acute (1).
Valerie Watts, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board said the delays were "regrettable", but that "significantly fewer people are waiting over 12 hours in emergency departments, compared to five years ago".
Health Minister Jim Wells also apologised for the figures, and said it reflects the "enormous pressure" on the health service.
(JP/CD)
The provisional statistics, published by the Department of Health, found that more patients had to wait over 12 hours before they were treated. A total of 380 people had to wait more than 12 hours – this compares to just 92 people the previous month.
The increase comes despite fewer people attending emergency departments.
In January, 54,910 people attended an A&E department, compared to 56,656 in December 2014.
Looking at the different departments, the Ulster Hospital had the largest increase in those waiting longer than 12 hours for treatment; 237 patients waited over 12 hours, compared to just 19 patients the previous year.
Six other A&E departments also reported breaches in treatment times. They were at Royal Victoria Hospital (68), Mater (17), Craigavon Area (9), Altnagelvin (6) and South West Acute (1).
Valerie Watts, Chief Executive of the Health and Social Care Board said the delays were "regrettable", but that "significantly fewer people are waiting over 12 hours in emergency departments, compared to five years ago".
Health Minister Jim Wells also apologised for the figures, and said it reflects the "enormous pressure" on the health service.
(JP/CD)
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