Congratulating health service staff on their remarkable achievement, the Minister said that they must now redouble their efforts to ensure that new targets for next year are also met.
The Minister said: “What the staff have achieved is a huge step forward from the position last year when many thousands of patients were waiting up to 12 months for surgery and often several years for a first outpatient appointment. Whilst Ministers set the targets and made extra resources available, this is first and foremost an achievement by front-line staff. They should be immensely proud that their hard work has given patients a first class health service.
“The two waiting time targets I set for this year were very challenging. The achievement of both is truly remarkable. Last year around 175,000 operations were carried out and almost half a million new patients were seen in outpatients departments. This time last year there were nearly 74,000 patients waiting over six months for a first outpatient appointment – that list has now disappeared.
“A year ago, there were almost 6,500 patients waiting over six months for surgery – that list has also gone.”
The Minister acknowledged that the rigorous approach adopted by his department had revealed local administrative errors which had resulted in a small number of patients (33) who had fallen outside the time limits. Only one case resulted in a delayed operation and all will be seen within two weeks.
Achieving the waiting time targets was a result of a range of hospital reforms to improve the way waiting lists were managed. The Minister said:
“Improving the use of theatres, ensuring patients are seen in chronological order and pooling waiting lists between consultants were just some of the changes which helped trusts reach the targets.
“We have also introduced Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services (ICATS) to help reform outpatient waits. Through ICATS, Trusts are able to ensure that only patients who need to see a consultant do so, while others are sent to the appropriate health professional.
“We have also introduced robust monitoring and sanctions for poor performance.
“A great deal has been achieved but there is no room for complacency. There are further tough targets to be met next year but I am confident that the health service will work hard to meet these targets and ensure that Northern Ireland’s health service is truly world class.”
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to Clare Baxter, DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520571 or 07919 400248
