Menu
26/07/2024
Minister Highlights Elective Care Centres' Role In Reducing Waiting Lists
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted how Elective Care Centres play a crucial role in reducing lengthy waiting lists.
The ongoing development of these surgical hubs across Northern Ireland has increased dedicated capacity for elective surgery. A major advantage is that planned procedures are less likely to be cancelled due to emergency pressures.
There are three Elective Overnight Stay Centres (EOSCs) at the Mater Hospital, Belfast, South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, and Daisy Hill Hospital In Newry, for intermediate complexity surgery that may require an overnight stay in hospital. Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 12,000 patients have been treated across all three sites.
Additionally, Day Procedure Centres (DPCs) are now operational at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn and Omagh Hospital, supporting various surgical specialties. From October 2020 to March 2024, these centres treated around 20,000 patients.
Cataract Centres are also available at Downe Hospital (Downpatrick), South Tyrone Hospital (Dungannon), and Mid Ulster Hospital (Magherafelt), while an orthopaedic hub at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast includes the Duke of Connaught Unit, a dedicated orthopaedic Day Procedure Centre.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "The latest waiting list statistics show a sustained and very welcome reduction in the number of patients waiting. This is the seventh quarter in a row where the treatment waiting lists have reduced – the longest sustained reduction since at least 2008.
"Of course waiting lists are still unacceptably long, particularly in orthopaedics and gynaecology, however I am very encouraged to see a reduction which is partly due to the innovative, efficient and focused efforts of staff working in our Elective Care Centres across Northern Ireland, ensuring that patients have equitable access to the care they need, irrespective of where they live, and helping to deliver better outcomes for patients."
The Minister was speaking during a visit today to the Elective Overnight Stay Centre at South West Acute Hospital. Elective general surgery, gynaecology, breast surgery, paediatric surgery and paediatric dental procedures are carried out at SWAH for long waiting patients from the region, with consultants visiting from other hospitals.
He said: "SWAH is delivering more elective surgery than ever and I am delighted to see the excellent facilities here and to meet the talented and enthusiastic workforce. The EOSC is providing much needed services for our long waiting patients. I am grateful for the support and enthusiasm of everyone involved in this initiative.
"I can clearly see the potential of SWAH and I do not doubt the valuable role it will play in driving down our waiting lists. I want to ensure that SWAH can fulfil its full potential and I will continue to engage with my Executive colleagues to secure the required funding to further develop our Elective Care Centre model."
Neil Guckian, Chief Executive of Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: "We are delighted to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on his first visit to the South West Acute Hospital to meet with key medical, nursing and social work staff. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our staff and to showcase the first-class facilities at SWAH, in particular the EOSC which is providing high quality care to patients throughout Northern Ireland."
The ongoing development of these surgical hubs across Northern Ireland has increased dedicated capacity for elective surgery. A major advantage is that planned procedures are less likely to be cancelled due to emergency pressures.
There are three Elective Overnight Stay Centres (EOSCs) at the Mater Hospital, Belfast, South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, and Daisy Hill Hospital In Newry, for intermediate complexity surgery that may require an overnight stay in hospital. Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 12,000 patients have been treated across all three sites.
Additionally, Day Procedure Centres (DPCs) are now operational at Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn and Omagh Hospital, supporting various surgical specialties. From October 2020 to March 2024, these centres treated around 20,000 patients.
Cataract Centres are also available at Downe Hospital (Downpatrick), South Tyrone Hospital (Dungannon), and Mid Ulster Hospital (Magherafelt), while an orthopaedic hub at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast includes the Duke of Connaught Unit, a dedicated orthopaedic Day Procedure Centre.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "The latest waiting list statistics show a sustained and very welcome reduction in the number of patients waiting. This is the seventh quarter in a row where the treatment waiting lists have reduced – the longest sustained reduction since at least 2008.
"Of course waiting lists are still unacceptably long, particularly in orthopaedics and gynaecology, however I am very encouraged to see a reduction which is partly due to the innovative, efficient and focused efforts of staff working in our Elective Care Centres across Northern Ireland, ensuring that patients have equitable access to the care they need, irrespective of where they live, and helping to deliver better outcomes for patients."
The Minister was speaking during a visit today to the Elective Overnight Stay Centre at South West Acute Hospital. Elective general surgery, gynaecology, breast surgery, paediatric surgery and paediatric dental procedures are carried out at SWAH for long waiting patients from the region, with consultants visiting from other hospitals.
He said: "SWAH is delivering more elective surgery than ever and I am delighted to see the excellent facilities here and to meet the talented and enthusiastic workforce. The EOSC is providing much needed services for our long waiting patients. I am grateful for the support and enthusiasm of everyone involved in this initiative.
"I can clearly see the potential of SWAH and I do not doubt the valuable role it will play in driving down our waiting lists. I want to ensure that SWAH can fulfil its full potential and I will continue to engage with my Executive colleagues to secure the required funding to further develop our Elective Care Centre model."
Neil Guckian, Chief Executive of Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: "We are delighted to welcome Health Minister Mike Nesbitt on his first visit to the South West Acute Hospital to meet with key medical, nursing and social work staff. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of our staff and to showcase the first-class facilities at SWAH, in particular the EOSC which is providing high quality care to patients throughout Northern Ireland."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2023
Patients Urged To Accept Appointments To Help Waiting Lists
Patients on waiting lists across Northern Ireland are being urged to accept appointments for treatment at any hospital, even if this might not be their local or closest hospital. The Department of Health has made the call in an effort to try and reduce waiting lists, urging people to accept appointments.
Patients Urged To Accept Appointments To Help Waiting Lists
Patients on waiting lists across Northern Ireland are being urged to accept appointments for treatment at any hospital, even if this might not be their local or closest hospital. The Department of Health has made the call in an effort to try and reduce waiting lists, urging people to accept appointments.
02 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils Hospital Reconfiguration Framework
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new framework aimed at reconfiguring hospitals across Northern Ireland to create a more sustainable and efficient network of care. The document, titled 'Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes', outlines the key principles that will guide the reorganisation of hospital services.
Health Minister Unveils Hospital Reconfiguration Framework
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new framework aimed at reconfiguring hospitals across Northern Ireland to create a more sustainable and efficient network of care. The document, titled 'Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes', outlines the key principles that will guide the reorganisation of hospital services.
11 October 2023
Dept of Health Welcomes Audit Office Report
The Department of Health has welcomed the publication of an NI Audit Office report on the health service waiting list crisis. The report, published by Northern Ireland's Comptroller and Auditor General, accurately highlights what is required to turn the current unacceptable situation around.
Dept of Health Welcomes Audit Office Report
The Department of Health has welcomed the publication of an NI Audit Office report on the health service waiting list crisis. The report, published by Northern Ireland's Comptroller and Auditor General, accurately highlights what is required to turn the current unacceptable situation around.
02 June 2003
New Elective Surgical Unit helps cut waiting lists
Health Minister, Des Browne has today officially opened a new Elective Surgical Unit at Lagan Valley Hospital. Commenting on the new eight bed facility, the Minister confirmed patient waiting times for elective surgery at the hospital had been cut since its inception.
New Elective Surgical Unit helps cut waiting lists
Health Minister, Des Browne has today officially opened a new Elective Surgical Unit at Lagan Valley Hospital. Commenting on the new eight bed facility, the Minister confirmed patient waiting times for elective surgery at the hospital had been cut since its inception.
22 March 2019
Specialist Day Surgeries To Cut Waiting Lists
The Department of Health is accelerating plans to introduce specialist day surgeries to reduce patient waiting lists, with a public consultation expected before the end of 2019. It comes after elective care centres for cataract and varicose vein procedures became operational in December 2018.
Specialist Day Surgeries To Cut Waiting Lists
The Department of Health is accelerating plans to introduce specialist day surgeries to reduce patient waiting lists, with a public consultation expected before the end of 2019. It comes after elective care centres for cataract and varicose vein procedures became operational in December 2018.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
