"Health Minister Celebrates Significant Drop in Long Outpatient Wait Times"

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced a significant reduction in long outpatient wait times in Northern Ireland, with almost 25% fewer patients waiting over four years for appointments.

Between April and September, Northern Ireland saw a 24% decrease in patients waiting more than four years for outpatient appointments, totaling 24,811 fewer patients.
In the same timeframe, the number of individuals waiting over four years for treatment dropped by 33%, equating to 6,683 patients, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasized that over 100,000 red flag or time-critical patients have been seen, diagnosed, or treated since April, showcasing improvements in healthcare delivery.

Why It Matters

This reduction in wait times highlights the ongoing efforts to improve patient care in Northern Ireland, potentially alleviating pressure on health professionals and addressing concerns raised by organizations like the Royal College of Nursing regarding healthcare accessibility.