Menu
19/06/2023
People On Hospital Waiting Lists 'Feel Forgotten'
Significant and repeated failures to properly update patients on healthcare waiting lists in Northern Ireland amounted to 'systemic maladministration', and in many cases had a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of those waiting, according to a report from the Public Service Ombudsman (PSO).
Highlighting how 88% of those on hospital waiting lists "feel forgotten", Ombudsman Margaret Kelly said: "This investigation has found a waiting list system which is in disarray and which is having an adverse impact on those waiting to receive care. We found that many people placed on a waiting list received no communication at all to tell them if they were on a list, whether they were deemed routine or urgent, and when they could expect to be treated.
"Despite there being a Department of Health procedure since 2006 that Trusts have been required to follow, we found they often did not, and there was no one agreed approach not only across Trusts but within Trusts. We also found the Departmental procedure had not been updated in ten years despite waiting lists increasing exponentially."
Acknowledging the increasing financial and other pressures faced by the Trusts, she added; "I understand that the healthcare system is still recovering from the impact of Covid and that frontline health staff are working incredibly hard to provide care in a difficult situation, but it is clear that the issue of increasing waiting lists has been ongoing for close to a decade. It is even more important in the context of our lengthy waiting lists that people have the information they need to either 'wait well' or make informed choices.
"On the basis of repeated failures in communication in many parts of the system, I make an overall finding of systemic maladministration, and would urge the Department to work more cohesively with the Trusts, GPs and patient representatives to address the need for improvement.
"I have made a significant number of recommendations and welcome the early acknowledgement by Trusts of the need for improvement, as well as the recent launch by the Department of the My Waiting Time website. I will continue to work with both Trusts and the Department of Health to ensure these recommendations are put in place."
Highlighting how 88% of those on hospital waiting lists "feel forgotten", Ombudsman Margaret Kelly said: "This investigation has found a waiting list system which is in disarray and which is having an adverse impact on those waiting to receive care. We found that many people placed on a waiting list received no communication at all to tell them if they were on a list, whether they were deemed routine or urgent, and when they could expect to be treated.
"Despite there being a Department of Health procedure since 2006 that Trusts have been required to follow, we found they often did not, and there was no one agreed approach not only across Trusts but within Trusts. We also found the Departmental procedure had not been updated in ten years despite waiting lists increasing exponentially."
Acknowledging the increasing financial and other pressures faced by the Trusts, she added; "I understand that the healthcare system is still recovering from the impact of Covid and that frontline health staff are working incredibly hard to provide care in a difficult situation, but it is clear that the issue of increasing waiting lists has been ongoing for close to a decade. It is even more important in the context of our lengthy waiting lists that people have the information they need to either 'wait well' or make informed choices.
"On the basis of repeated failures in communication in many parts of the system, I make an overall finding of systemic maladministration, and would urge the Department to work more cohesively with the Trusts, GPs and patient representatives to address the need for improvement.
"I have made a significant number of recommendations and welcome the early acknowledgement by Trusts of the need for improvement, as well as the recent launch by the Department of the My Waiting Time website. I will continue to work with both Trusts and the Department of Health to ensure these recommendations are put in place."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 December 2002
Rise in hospital waiting lists 'disappointing' says Browne
Hospital waiting lists have risen by almost 3,500 in the past year – leaving Northern Ireland trailing behind its UK counterparts – according to statistics contained in the health department's quarterly review of waiting lists.
Rise in hospital waiting lists 'disappointing' says Browne
Hospital waiting lists have risen by almost 3,500 in the past year – leaving Northern Ireland trailing behind its UK counterparts – according to statistics contained in the health department's quarterly review of waiting lists.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
02 September 2005
Outpatient hospital waiting list figures rise
The number of people waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased in the last three months by almost 6%. The figures published by the Department of Health revealed that the number of patients waiting for an initial outpatient consultation had risen by 9,385 to 176,523, an increase of 5.6% on the previous quarter.
Outpatient hospital waiting list figures rise
The number of people waiting for a first outpatient appointment has increased in the last three months by almost 6%. The figures published by the Department of Health revealed that the number of patients waiting for an initial outpatient consultation had risen by 9,385 to 176,523, an increase of 5.6% on the previous quarter.
04 December 2003
Hospital inpatient waiting lists continue to fall
Hospital inpatient waiting lists are now at their lowest since March 2001 and have fallen by 10% over the past twelve months, it was revealed today.
Hospital inpatient waiting lists continue to fall
Hospital inpatient waiting lists are now at their lowest since March 2001 and have fallen by 10% over the past twelve months, it was revealed today.
02 April 2003
Rise in transplant waiting list sparks donor appeal
The latest figures from the office of the Transplant Co-ordinator in Belfast City Hospital have revealed that the number of people in the province awaiting organ transplants has risen. Some 240 people are currently waiting for major organ transplants such as heart, kidney, liver or lungs - an increase of almost 60 people on this time last year.
Rise in transplant waiting list sparks donor appeal
The latest figures from the office of the Transplant Co-ordinator in Belfast City Hospital have revealed that the number of people in the province awaiting organ transplants has risen. Some 240 people are currently waiting for major organ transplants such as heart, kidney, liver or lungs - an increase of almost 60 people on this time last year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
