16/01/2026
Alliance Party Brands Breast Cancer Waiting Times 'Unacceptable'
The Alliance Party's Health spokesperson, Nuala McAllister MLA, has described the current waiting times for breast cancer services in Northern Ireland as "unacceptable." Her comments follow the release of new Department of Health statistics, which revealed that of the 6,194 referrals classified as urgent, only 3.5% were seen within the mandatory 14-day target.
While the figures indicated a slight rise in the number of patients beginning treatment early, Ms McAllister argued that the overall picture remains bleak for those trapped in the system. The North Belfast MLA highlighted that patients are currently facing median waits of eight weeks, with some forced to wait up to ten weeks for an urgent specialist appointment.
Addressing the human cost of the delays, Nuala McAllister MLA said: "Receiving the news that you are to be referred for an urgent breast cancer screening is already such a highly distressing experience, for many it'll be the one of the most daunting things they've ever faced. Being left to wait weeks or months to be seen by a specialist, dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty of living in limbo, is unacceptable."
The MLA acknowledged that the health service is currently undergoing a transition period as it moves toward a regional booking model. This approach is intended to equalise access by offering patients the first available appointment at any location across Northern Ireland, rather than relying on their local trust.
However, she emphasised that the move must result in tangible improvements for patients who "do not have time to waste".
"Shifting to a regional approach can ensure patients are seen at the earliest opportunity regardless of their location. The Health Minister and Health Trusts must guarantee that this move is carried out effectively and efficiently, and that it's having a real-life impact for patients."
The Alliance Party has called on the Department of Health to prioritise the reduction of these lists to alleviate the distress and medical risks associated with prolonged waiting times.
While the figures indicated a slight rise in the number of patients beginning treatment early, Ms McAllister argued that the overall picture remains bleak for those trapped in the system. The North Belfast MLA highlighted that patients are currently facing median waits of eight weeks, with some forced to wait up to ten weeks for an urgent specialist appointment.
The MLA acknowledged that the health service is currently undergoing a transition period as it moves toward a regional booking model. This approach is intended to equalise access by offering patients the first available appointment at any location across Northern Ireland, rather than relying on their local trust.
However, she emphasised that the move must result in tangible improvements for patients who "do not have time to waste".
"Shifting to a regional approach can ensure patients are seen at the earliest opportunity regardless of their location. The Health Minister and Health Trusts must guarantee that this move is carried out effectively and efficiently, and that it's having a real-life impact for patients."
The Alliance Party has called on the Department of Health to prioritise the reduction of these lists to alleviate the distress and medical risks associated with prolonged waiting times.
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28 May 2021
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The SDLP is calling for an urgent meeting with the Finance and Health Ministers after further details of the extent of the waiting list crisis have been published. MLAs Cara Hunter and Matthew O'Toole said that this is the biggest crisis facing people in Northern Ireland and it must be the most urgent priority for political leaders.
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22 July 2015
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02 September 2005
Outpatient hospital waiting list figures rise
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Outpatient hospital waiting list figures rise
The number of people waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased in the last three months by almost 6%. The figures published by the Department of Health revealed that the number of patients waiting for an initial outpatient consultation had risen by 9,385 to 176,523, an increase of 5.6% on the previous quarter.
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Rise in transplant waiting list sparks donor appeal
The latest figures from the office of the Transplant Co-ordinator in Belfast City Hospital have revealed that the number of people in the province awaiting organ transplants has risen. Some 240 people are currently waiting for major organ transplants such as heart, kidney, liver or lungs - an increase of almost 60 people on this time last year.
Rise in transplant waiting list sparks donor appeal
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.