Menu
02/06/2005
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.
The figures revealed that waiting lists are at the lowest level in five years and the number of people waiting more than 18 months for treatment (12 months for cardiac surgery) is at the lowest level for almost 10 years.
Commenting on the release of the figures, the Minister said: “I acknowledge the continued reduction in waiting lists which are now at their lowest level in five years. Furthermore, I am encouraged that the number of people waiting for over 18 months is now at the lowest level in almost 10 years. However, despite these reductions, I am concerned that any patient should have to wait such a long time for treatment, and I recognise the pain and anxiety that this can cause.”
However the figures showed that the number of patients waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased by 1.5% since December 2004.
The Minister said: “While almost 70% of outpatients were seen within three months, I am extremely concerned that the number of people waiting for a first hospital outpatient appointment continues to rise. Reducing the number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment and the time they wait will be one of my key priorities over the coming year.
Mr Woodward said that he was "committed to delivering much shorter waiting times for all patients" and pledged to work to ensure that "significant improvements are achieved as soon as possible".
The statistics showed that 95% of inpatients and day cases seen during the quarter had been on the waiting list for less than 12 months; 73% had been waiting less than three months prior to treatment.
The total number of people waiting for inpatient or day case treatment has decreased by 4.9% during the last year. This represents a reduction of 3.5% on the quarter ending December 2004, and is now at the lowest level in five years.
The number of people waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased by 12.9% during the last year and now stands at 167,138.
(SP)
The figures revealed that waiting lists are at the lowest level in five years and the number of people waiting more than 18 months for treatment (12 months for cardiac surgery) is at the lowest level for almost 10 years.
Commenting on the release of the figures, the Minister said: “I acknowledge the continued reduction in waiting lists which are now at their lowest level in five years. Furthermore, I am encouraged that the number of people waiting for over 18 months is now at the lowest level in almost 10 years. However, despite these reductions, I am concerned that any patient should have to wait such a long time for treatment, and I recognise the pain and anxiety that this can cause.”
However the figures showed that the number of patients waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased by 1.5% since December 2004.
The Minister said: “While almost 70% of outpatients were seen within three months, I am extremely concerned that the number of people waiting for a first hospital outpatient appointment continues to rise. Reducing the number of patients waiting for an outpatient appointment and the time they wait will be one of my key priorities over the coming year.
Mr Woodward said that he was "committed to delivering much shorter waiting times for all patients" and pledged to work to ensure that "significant improvements are achieved as soon as possible".
The statistics showed that 95% of inpatients and day cases seen during the quarter had been on the waiting list for less than 12 months; 73% had been waiting less than three months prior to treatment.
The total number of people waiting for inpatient or day case treatment has decreased by 4.9% during the last year. This represents a reduction of 3.5% on the quarter ending December 2004, and is now at the lowest level in five years.
The number of people waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased by 12.9% during the last year and now stands at 167,138.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
03 June 2021
Call For Funding Response To Hospital Waiting List Crisis
NI's Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is urging the Finance Minister to bring forward funding options to help with the current crisis in hospital waiting lists. The SDLP Minister is to propose that the Finance Minister bring forward options for funding a response to the current hospital waiting list crisis.
Call For Funding Response To Hospital Waiting List Crisis
NI's Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is urging the Finance Minister to bring forward funding options to help with the current crisis in hospital waiting lists. The SDLP Minister is to propose that the Finance Minister bring forward options for funding a response to the current hospital waiting list crisis.
28 May 2021
Call For Urgent Meeting To Address Waiting List Crisis
The SDLP is calling for an urgent meeting with the Finance and Health Ministers after further details of the extent of the waiting list crisis have been published. MLAs Cara Hunter and Matthew O'Toole said that this is the biggest crisis facing people in Northern Ireland and it must be the most urgent priority for political leaders.
Call For Urgent Meeting To Address Waiting List Crisis
The SDLP is calling for an urgent meeting with the Finance and Health Ministers after further details of the extent of the waiting list crisis have been published. MLAs Cara Hunter and Matthew O'Toole said that this is the biggest crisis facing people in Northern Ireland and it must be the most urgent priority for political leaders.
-
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.
