Quarterly waiting list data issued today shows continuing pressure on services, impacting patient waiting times and also negatively impacting the clinicians who are doing the best they can to provide a service to patients.  

Commenting on the figures, Dr Alan Stout, chair of BMA’s Northern Ireland Council said, “It is hard to hope that one day these figures will bring good news for everyone in Northern Ireland, where we will see waiting times dropping and patients moving swiftly and efficiently through the system and where we will no longer have the longest wait times in the UK. Using median figures, and talking in terms of months also blurs the reality for patients, in fact they will mostly likely be waiting years to be seen. 

“It has been clear for a long time now that we cannot run the health service in the way we have been running it. There needs to be radical change, with clinicians involved in the process to make sure services are delivered in a way that is timely and efficient, and gives patients access to the best treatment so they have the best health outcomes. 

“A key part of addressing the issues is the health services’ ability to retain and recruit doctors. Consultants have now settled their pay dispute and we would urge the Minister to address the junior doctor dispute as soon as possible and ensure that SAS colleagues do not also take industrial action. We know there are huge budgetary pressures right across Northern Ireland but without the right workforce in place nothing will improve.”

 

///////Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.