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02/09/2004
Hospital waiting lists continue to fall
Northern Ireland's hospital waiting lists have fallen, according to figures released today.
The number of people waiting for inpatient or daycase treatment has decreased by 4,439 to 50,975, compared with the same quarter last year.
Commenting on the release of the figures, Health Minister Angela Smith said: “I am pleased that there are now nearly 3,500 fewer people waiting 18 months or more than at the same time last year, and almost 6,000 fewer than at September 2002. For any person waiting for hospital treatment, the most important issue for them and their family is the length of time they have to wait.
"I am therefore keen that we improve on this further and have set targets to ensure that by March 2005, no patient will have to wait more than 18 months for treatment, and no patient more than 15 months by March 2006.”
In relation to the number of outpatients waiting, which showed an increase of 5.1% since June 2003, the Minister said: “The number of people waiting for outpatient appointments continues to rise, and that is something we will continue to tackle in parallel with inpatient and daycase waiting.
"The rise in outpatient numbers is a reflection of very high levels of demand; however, the good news is that almost 72% of patients are being seen at outpatients in less than three months and 96% are seen within 12 months."
Paying tribute to staff, the Minister said the "dedication and commitment" of local doctors, nurses and other care professionals was providing the best possible quality of care to the people of Northern Ireland possible.
(MB/GMCG)
The number of people waiting for inpatient or daycase treatment has decreased by 4,439 to 50,975, compared with the same quarter last year.
Commenting on the release of the figures, Health Minister Angela Smith said: “I am pleased that there are now nearly 3,500 fewer people waiting 18 months or more than at the same time last year, and almost 6,000 fewer than at September 2002. For any person waiting for hospital treatment, the most important issue for them and their family is the length of time they have to wait.
"I am therefore keen that we improve on this further and have set targets to ensure that by March 2005, no patient will have to wait more than 18 months for treatment, and no patient more than 15 months by March 2006.”
In relation to the number of outpatients waiting, which showed an increase of 5.1% since June 2003, the Minister said: “The number of people waiting for outpatient appointments continues to rise, and that is something we will continue to tackle in parallel with inpatient and daycase waiting.
"The rise in outpatient numbers is a reflection of very high levels of demand; however, the good news is that almost 72% of patients are being seen at outpatients in less than three months and 96% are seen within 12 months."
Paying tribute to staff, the Minister said the "dedication and commitment" of local doctors, nurses and other care professionals was providing the best possible quality of care to the people of Northern Ireland possible.
(MB/GMCG)
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04 December 2003
Hospital inpatient waiting lists continue to fall
Hospital inpatient waiting lists are now at their lowest since March 2001 and have fallen by 10% over the past twelve months, it was revealed today.
Hospital inpatient waiting lists continue to fall
Hospital inpatient waiting lists are now at their lowest since March 2001 and have fallen by 10% over the past twelve months, it was revealed today.
02 March 2006
Inpatient waiting lists reach ten-year low
Waiting lists for inpatients and day-patients have reached their lowest in ten years, Health Minister Shaun Woodward revealed today. The number of people waiting over a year for appointments has almost dropped by 50% over the past quarter.
Inpatient waiting lists reach ten-year low
Waiting lists for inpatients and day-patients have reached their lowest in ten years, Health Minister Shaun Woodward revealed today. The number of people waiting over a year for appointments has almost dropped by 50% over the past quarter.
02 June 2005
Minister welcomes latest reductions in waiting lists
Health Minister, Shaun Woodward, has welcomed the latest figures showing a further reduction in hospital waiting times but said they were still far too long.
Minister welcomes latest reductions in waiting lists
Health Minister, Shaun Woodward, has welcomed the latest figures showing a further reduction in hospital waiting times but said they were still far too long.
05 December 2002
Rise in hospital waiting lists 'disappointing' says Browne
Hospital waiting lists have risen by almost 3,500 in the past year – leaving Northern Ireland trailing behind its UK counterparts – according to statistics contained in the health department's quarterly review of waiting lists.
Rise in hospital waiting lists 'disappointing' says Browne
Hospital waiting lists have risen by almost 3,500 in the past year – leaving Northern Ireland trailing behind its UK counterparts – according to statistics contained in the health department's quarterly review of waiting lists.
07 December 2006
Hospital waiting lists continue to fall
Waiting times for surgery and outpatient appointments have continued to decrease according to the latest quarterly statistics. The number of people waiting more than six months for surgery at the end of September 2006 fell to 3,786, a drop of 1,358, down 26.4% compared to the previous quarter.
Hospital waiting lists continue to fall
Waiting times for surgery and outpatient appointments have continued to decrease according to the latest quarterly statistics. The number of people waiting more than six months for surgery at the end of September 2006 fell to 3,786, a drop of 1,358, down 26.4% compared to the previous quarter.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
