McGimpsey praises Altnagelvin fracture service

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today visited staff at Altnagelvin fracture unit to praise their success in reducing waiting times for fracture patients.

Northern Ireland is currently the only region in the UK to have a target for fracture treatment. Last March, Trusts across Northern Ireland were required to ensure that 75% of patients were waiting no longer than 48 hours. This target has now increased to 95% by the end of this month.

The Minister said: “Since April 2008, over 90% of patients have been treated within 48 hours at Altnagelvin’s fracture unit. Indeed during January, the unit achieved an outstanding level of success, treating some 97% of patients within two days. This is a remarkable achievement which has made this unit one of the best performing in the UK.

“The new target is extremely challenging and all Trusts have made considerable efforts to try and achieve it. I want to pay tribute to staff across Trusts who are working tirelessly to treat patients within the very tough targets that have been set. This is not simply about meeting targets, but rather it is about ensuring patients have access to the very best and rapid treatment possible.”

Notes to Editors:

• Since 2006, a comprehensive programme of reform has been implemented across Northern Ireland to reduce waiting times for both emergency (fracture) patients and elective (waiting list) patients.
• By March 2008, Trusts were required to ensure that at least 75% of patients, where clinically appropriate, wait no longer than 48 hours for inpatient fracture treatment. This target is set to increase to 95% by this month, March 2009.
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