More than 117,000 patients are waiting at least a year just to see a consultant for the first time

More than 117,000 patients in three health trusts in Northern Ireland have been waiting over a year to see a consultant for the first time, shock new statistics revealed today (Thursday)

Department of Health targets state not one single patient should have to wait that long for an appointment

But in the Northern, Southern and Western trusts more than half their patients at the end of June, were waiting at least 52 weeks.

The new figures relate to more than half of the patients on overall outpatient waiting lists in these areas.

That is a rise of 17,000 from the same period last year but slightly less compared with the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, there has been a slight drop in the number of patients waiting more than 52 weeks for admission to hospitals in these areas.

Again, this is in breach of Dept targets, stating no patient should have to wait this long.

But at the end of June, 25,147 patients were waiting more than 52 weeks for admission.