20/10/2021

Child Health Service Waiting Lists 'Exacerbated' By Pandemic - Swann

The length of time children are waiting for health services has been "exacerbated by the devastating impact of the pandemic", Health Minister Robin Swann has said.

The Minister was responding to a report on child health waiting lists by the Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY).

Minister Swann said: "I welcome the review of Child Health Waiting Lists in Northern Ireland carried out by the Commissioner for Children and Young People. Waiting times were clearly unacceptable prior to COVID-19 and have been exacerbated by the devastating impact of the pandemic across all aspects of service provision including, unfortunately, across children's services.

"The data in relation to paediatric red flags referred to in the NICCY report was correct as of April 2021.

"Based on September monitoring information there are no red flag paediatric patients waiting more than 52 weeks.

"Addressing waiting lists remains a top priority for me however it will require systemic change and long term investment."

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