Hospital waiting lists continue to fall

Waiting times for surgery and outpatient appointments have continued to decrease according to the latest quarterly statistics.

The number of people waiting more than six months for surgery at the end of September 2006 fell to 3,786, a drop of 1,358, down 26.4% compared to the previous quarter.

The number of outpatients waiting over six months for a first outpatient appointment also fell by 11,168, down 16.2% compared to the previous quarter.

Commenting, Health Minister, Paul Goggins said: "The continued fall in waits for surgery and outpatient appointments is very good news for patients. We are firmly on track to meet the March 2007 targets whereby no-one will be waiting more than six months for surgery or for a first outpatient appointment.

"I particularly welcome the fact that, in addition to the reduction in the number of people waiting more than six months for surgery, at the end of September only a handful of patients were waiting more than nine months for treatment. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the position four years ago when over 20,000 patients were waiting in excess of nine months."

Despite the continued drop in waiting lists, the Minister said the numbers of people who did not attend outpatient appointment was a real cause for concern.

He said: "Notwithstanding the progress we have made, a significant number of patients are still failing to turn up for their outpatient appointment or cancel at the last minute when it is too late to give someone else their slot. This is simply not acceptable. Staff across the health service are making huge efforts to drive down waiting times for patients. The public must play their part too. By failing to attend appointments, some people are denying others the opportunity to see a consultant as quickly as possible."

(EF)