Debate contribution: Endoscopy: Waiting Times

Debate contribution by Mr Mike Nesbitt on 29 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Mike Nesbitt
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 29 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Endoscopy: Waiting Times
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5644877

Text

There has been significant improvement in endoscopy waiting times. Between 30 June 2025 and the end of March this year, a 35% reduction is reported in the number of patients waiting for the procedure, alongside a 92% reduction in the number waiting in excess of 78 weeks. My Department continues to invest in endoscopy services, with £13 million allocated to the expansion of capacity in the elective care framework implementation and funding plan. That investment is expected to deliver an additional 16,500 procedures per year when fully implemented. The elective care framework outlined a plan for expansion of endoscopy capacity over three stages. The first was to commission vacant Monday-to-Friday sessions by March this year. The second stage will see expansion into 50-week working and evening sessions by March next year, with the third and final stage delivering expansion into weekend working.

142 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification