Department of Health statement on Northern Ireland waiting times statistics

As has been set out clearly in the past, not least in our Transformation Plan, our service is simply unable to keep pace with growing demands for treatment, despite the best efforts of staff.

Funding of £30 million has been provided this year which by the end of December had resulted in an additional 79,000 assessments or treatments.

However, this investment has only managed to slow the overall growth in waiting times - a fact which underlines the scale of the challenge facing the system.

Fundamental transformation remains the only long-term answer to this problem. 

While transformation is underway, sustained investment is also required to clear the backlog of patients waiting for treatment.

Notes to editors: 

Notes to editors:

1. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office team on 028 9052 0579 or email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
    
2. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

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