Debate contribution: Waiting Lists
Debate contribution by Mr Robin Swann on .
- MLA
- Mr Robin Swann
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 21 May 2024
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Waiting Lists
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4491637
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Madam Principal Deputy Speaker, with your permission, I will take questions 6 and 13 together. The £34 million that has been earmarked for waiting lists, which comes directly from the UK Government and has been long announced, does not cover even half of what is required to maintain the number of red-flag cancer patients and time-critical patients. My officials are working with trusts to examine whether it is possible to displace other hospital services to fund the remaining investment needed. That in itself will cause significant damage and disruption to our services. If we are unable to do so fully, that will lead to longer waiting times and reduce the care available to red-flag and time-critical patients, which would be deplorable. This is a missed opportunity to improve waiting lists, where significant progress could have been made. No additional funding for tackling our waiting lists has been provided by the Executive. Had I been allocated the funding that I bid for, there would have been an initial focus on the people waiting for more than three years. Over 28,000 patients waiting more than three years for treatment would have been treated, and over 57,000 patients waiting for more than three years for a first outpatient appointment would have had an appointment. Instead, unfortunately, our waiting lists will continue to grow, which stands in stark contrast to other supposed commitments that tacking them would be a priority.
236 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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