Unprecedented number of patients on waiting lists in Northern Ireland hospitals

New data reveals that a record number of patients in Northern Ireland are currently waiting for their first consultation with a hospital specialist, with some individuals now facing wait times approaching six years. The most recent statistics highlight that the outpatient waiting list has remained above half a million patients, despite ongoing efforts by the Department of Health to resolve the issue.

As of the end of September, there were 542,451 people on the waiting list to see a consultant in Northern Ireland's hospitals. This indicates that no healthcare trust in the region has met its targets for timely consultations.

The average waiting time for a patient to see a consultant exceeds one year, with the longest recorded wait being 305 weeksequivalent to nearly six years. Currently, 55% of patients are waiting for more than a year, while the targeted goal is that 50% of patients should be seen within nine weeks, and no patient should wait longer than 52 weeks.

However, over 85% of patients have waited beyond the nine-week mark, and 55% have waited longer than 52 weeks.

The figures from June to September represent the first full set of data since all health trusts began using the Encompass electronic patient record system. The Department of Health has noted that while these statistics are still being refined, they offer a meaningful insight into the current state of waiting times.

The specialties with the longest waiting times are Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) consultations, followed by gynaecology, ophthalmology, and general surgery. Additionally, over 225,000 patients are currently awaiting diagnostic tests.

In an effort to address the crisis, the Department of Health appointed Professor Mark Taylor, a surgeon, to lead a team focused on reducing the waiting list backlog. In October, Professor Taylor reported a significant 62% reduction in waiting times for endoscopic procedures, marking some progress in tackling the issue.

He emphasized that "real progress" had been made in reducing the longest waiting times for tests and treatments, with the number of patients waiting more than four years for key procedures halving since March.

As part of the Northern Ireland Executive's Programme for Government, addressing the waiting list problem has been designated a top priority, with up to 215 million allocated to reduce the backlog. However, it was revealed last month that a significant portion of this fundingover 73 millionwas redirected to address the Department of Health's substantial budget deficit.

Author: Grace Ellison