Debate contribution: Hospital Waiting Lists
Debate contribution by Mr Robbie Butler on .
- MLA
- Mr Robbie Butler
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 21 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Hospital Waiting Lists
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5742357
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I thank the Member for his question. There are clear and encouraging signs that the additional investment is delivering for patients. Waiting times remain unacceptable, however, and, even with the progress made, there is still a considerable distance to travel. Between April and July this year, more than 52,000 additional assessments and treatments were delivered through the £85 million waiting list initiative. Almost 5,500 further primary care elective procedures were delivered between April and August through the separate £80 million funding stream. That activity is producing measurable results. The projected number of people waiting for more than four years for a first outpatient appointment has fallen by 18%, while the projected number waiting for more than four years for inpatient or day-case treatment has fallen by 26%. Since March, the longest tonsillectomy waiting list has fallen by 81%, with reductions of 49% in primary hip procedures and 39% in primary knee procedures. Those are significant improvements delivered through additional investment and the enormous efforts of Health and Social Care staff. However, progress is not uniform. Pressures remain and are particularly acute in areas such as imaging. My focus is firmly on delivery, increasing activity, treating those who have waited longest and ensuring that every available pound translates into appointments, diagnosis and treatments.
212 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.