The official quarterly waiting list figures for end of March 2009 show that the number of patients waiting over 13 weeks for inpatient and daycase treatment has reduced from 7,481 at March 2008 to 387 at the end of March 2009.
In relation to outpatients, there were 8625 patients waiting over 9 weeks for their first outpatient appointment in March 2008. This has reduced to 488 at the end of March 2009.
Figures also show that there were 1,515 patients waiting more than 9 weeks for a diagnostics test in June 2008. This has reduced to 85 at the end of March 2009.
Commenting on the statistics, the Minister welcomed the significant progress that has been made, but stated that further improvement is needed.
The Minister said, "I know that a significant amount of effort has gone in to achieving these improvements and I want to thank staff for their efforts. I set challenging targets to reduce waiting times for patients and I am pleased that in the vast majority of cases this has been achieved. Patients are now benefiting from greatly improved access to services.
"Although good progress has been made, further improvements are needed. A number of patients have had to wait longer than they should. I have therefore asked the Health and Social Care Board to work with the Trusts to ensure that all these patients are seen as soon as possible and to ensure that all patients receive the service they deserve. I will be monitoring this closely."
Turning to how the service has improved over recent years, the Minister said, "The reform programme led by my Department, has resulted in a much more responsive, effective and efficient health and social care service. Only three years ago, it was common place for patients to be waiting over 12 months for an outpatient appointment - a situation that was most certainly unacceptable and now thankfully in the past.
"Everyone throughout health and social care is committed to continually driving up performance for the benefit of all patients."
The Minister will make a further announcement on the performance of health and social care shortly.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520575. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
