McGimpsey sets new waiting time targets

Tough new targets are being introduced to cut lengthy waiting times for a range of health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and orthoptics.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said that, despite dramatic improvements to the length of time people were waiting for surgery or outpatient appointments, too many people were still waiting too long for access to key health and social care services.

New targets announced today for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics, orthoptics and podiatry will mean that:

• By March 2008 no patient should wait more than 26 weeks from referral to treatment, and
• By March 2009 no patient should wait more than 13 weeks from referral to treatment.

The Minister said: “People in Northern Ireland have seen a major improvement in waiting times for surgery or for an appointment to see a consultant. But this achievement is not reflected across all aspects of health and social care. At the moment there are literally thousands of patients waiting to see an Allied Health Professional for physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, podiatry and other key services, some waiting up to two years. This is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue.

“I am therefore today announcing challenging new targets for the services provided by Allied Health Professionals that will ensure that no-one is waiting more than 26 weeks for treatment by March 2008, and no more than 13 weeks by 2009.”

To ensure the achievement of the Minister’s targets, the DHSSPS Service Delivery Unit will work with the Boards and Trusts to establish appropriate performance monitoring arrangements, and to take forward a comprehensive programme of reform. The targets have been set following engagement with the Boards and the Trusts, to secure the maximum commitment to improvement from all parts of the service.

The Minister concluded: “I am committed to providing world class health and social care services for all of the people of Northern Ireland; a service which delivers on its promises and puts patients first. A great deal has been achieved over the last few years but more work is required if we are to meet the high expectations of the local population. I am confident that we can continue to rise to the challenge.”

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