The Department of Health last year commissioned an independent, external rapid review of gynaecology services in Northern Ireland using the established Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) methodology to help identify service improvements.
This was a recognition of the unacceptably high waiting times for both gynaecology outpatient appointments and surgery.
The NI gynaecology review was carried out by the GIRFT projects team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, which offers healthcare service reviews to other organisations, and principally to the devolved nations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A core team of skilled healthcare professionals uses the GIRFT methodology to examine data and review service delivery and patient care. Many are practicing clinicians who have worked extensively on the national NHS England GIRFT programme and who have unique expertise in their specialty.
The aim of the GIRFT review was to identify areas where improvements could be made in the extensive waiting lists for gynaecology services, and to ensure that patients are treated as quickly as possible to ensure best possible outcomes. The review considered all elective gynaecology services, and focused on maximising capacity in the Health and Social Care (HSC) system to secure sustainable service delivery and more effective patient throughput in line with the Elective Care Framework and the Cancer Strategy.
The GIRFT review report has been published today. It identifies 20 regional recommendations, designed to improve patient care and tackle waiting times. In addition, there are bespoke recommendations for each of the Health and Social Care Trusts.
The Department will be engaging with relevant stakeholders to progress implementation of the GIRFT recommendations. It is recognised that some of the recommendations will require additional investment and this will impact delivery.
Northern Ireland Gynaecology Report - January 2024