Thousands more patients in NI waiting for hospital appointments
Over 250,000 patients needing to see consultant for first time
More than 250,000 patients are now waiting for a first appointment in hospitals across Northern Ireland, it emerged today.
The shock new Department of Health figures show nearly 38,000 additional patients have been added to the outpatient waiting list in just a year.
All of them are waiting to see a consultant for the first time after having been to their GP.
It brings the overall total to 253,000 with more than two-thirds waiting over nine weeks for that appointment.
In addition, over 53,000 patients are now waiting more than 52 weeks to see a consultant.
That is nearly 30,000 more than a year ago.
The new figures also show there has been a slight rise in the number of patients
waiting to get into hospital for treatment.
It means just over 71,000 patients are now waiting for admission to hospital.
Of that total nearly 10,000 are waiting more than 52 weeks for either inpatient or day case admission.
Worryingly, with regard to diagnostic test waiting times, Ministerial targets are being breached.
They state that no patient should wait longer than 26 weeks but latest figures show nearly 10,000 patients are waiting longer than this.
Cancer Research says it is a huge concern.
“It’s very worrying that people in Northern Ireland are still waiting too long for tests,” charity spokeswoman, Margaret Carr said.
“Quick access to tests is a vital part of diagnosing cancer early, and some of these people might have a symptom that could be cancer.
“Patients must be diagnosed and treated swiftly if they are to have the best chance of survival and so we need to see fast progress to ensure no one is left waiting too long.
“These statistics are a clear indication that the Health Service in Northern Ireland is not coping with increased demand for diagnostic tests and a cancer strategy is urgently needed due to the importance of early diagnosis.
“This is an issue we can’t ignore. Unless action is taken, people in Northern Ireland will be left waiting far too long to receive a diagnosis. This may lead to later diagnosis and increased anxiety at an already hugely distressing time.”