Minister Highlights Elective Care Centres' Role In Reducing Waiting Lists

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted how Elective Care Centres play a crucial role in reducing lengthy waiting lists.

The ongoing development of these surgical hubs across Northern Ireland has increased dedicated capacity for elective surgery. A major advantage is that planned procedures are less likely to be cancelled due to emergency pressures.

There are three Elective Overnight Stay Centres (EOSCs) at the Mater Hospital, Belfast, South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, and Daisy Hill Hospital In Newry, for intermediate complexity surgery that may require an overnight stay in hospital. Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 12,000 patients have been treated across all three sites.

Additionally, Day Procedure Centres (DPCs) are now operational at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn and Omagh Hospital, supporting various surgical specialties. From October 2020 to March 2024, these centres treated around 20,000 patients.

Cataract Centres are also available at Downe Hospital (Downpatrick), South Tyrone Hospital (Dungannon), and Mid Ulster Hospital (Magherafelt), while an orthopaedic hub at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast includes the Duke of Connaught Unit, a dedicated orthopaedic Day Procedure Centre.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "The latest waiting list statistics show a sustained and very welcome reduction in the number of patients waiting. This is the seventh quarter in a row where the treatment waiting lists have reduced – the longest sustained reduction since at least 2008.

"Of course waiting lists are still unacceptably long, particularly in orthopaedics and gynaecology, however I am very encouraged to see a reduction which is partly due to the innovative, efficient and focused efforts of staff working in our Elective Care Centres across Northern Ireland, ensuring that patients have equitable access to the care they need, irrespective of where they live, and helping to deliver better outcomes for patients."

The Minister was speaking during a visit today to the Elective Overnight Stay Centre at South West Acute Hospital. Elective general surgery, gynaecology, breast surgery, paediatric surgery and paediatric dental procedures are carried out at SWAH for long waiting patients from the region, with consultants visiting from other hospitals.

He said: "SWAH is delivering more elective surgery than ever and I am delighted to see the excellent facilities here and to meet the talented and enthusiastic workforce. The EOSC is providing much needed services for our long waiting patients. I am grateful for the support and enthusiasm of everyone involved in this initiative.

"I can clearly see the potential of SWAH and I do not doubt the valuable role it will play in driving down our waiting lists. I want to ensure that SWAH can fulfil its full potential and I will continue to engage with my Executive colleagues to secure the required funding to further develop our Elective Care Centre model."

Neil Guckian, Chief Executive of Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: "We are delighted to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on his first visit to the South West Acute Hospital to meet with key medical, nursing and social work staff. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our staff and to showcase the first-class facilities at SWAH, in particular the EOSC which is providing high quality care to patients throughout Northern Ireland."