Almost 40,000 patients added to NI hospital waiting lists in just a year
Shock rise means 264,451 wait to see consultant for first time
The number of patients waiting for a hospital appointment in Northern Ireland, has risen to a shock 264,451, it can be revealed today.
That is an increase of nearly 40,000 patients in just a year, according to the Department of Health here.
All of them are waiting to see a consultant for the first time - having been referred for outpatients by their GP.
Of that total, over two thirds – 189,289 – have been waiting more than nine weeks for an appointment.
That means 43,000 patients have been added to this list in a year.
Meanwhile, 64,000 patients had to wait more than 12 months for a first hospital appointment compared with 53,111 three months previously.
Ministerial targets for outpatient waiting times states that by next March at least 50% of patients should wait no longer that nine weeks for a first appointment with no-one waiting longer than 52 weeks.
Other statistics reveal that 72,000 patients were waiting to be admitted to hospital.
Of this total 11,000 patients have been waiting for more than a year.
There was also a rise in patients waiting for a diagnostic test, with 47,600 patients waiting longer than nine weeks.
Cancer Research says the figures are concerning and she called for a “desperately-needed cancer strategy” to be drawn up.
Margaret Carr, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager for Northern Ireland, said:
“It’s worrying that people in Northern Ireland are still waiting too long for tests – a symptom of a Health Service hindered by lack of direction.
“Quick access to tests is a vital part of diagnosing cancer early, and some of these people might have cancer. Patients must be diagnosed and treated early if they are to have the best chance of surviving cancer.
“New projects to transform the Health Service in Northern Ireland, including improvements to diagnostic services, have all been put on hold in the absence of an Executive and Assembly.
“Northern Ireland desperately needs a cancer strategy and it’s unacceptable that this can’t be progressed given the current state of play.