Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of a new regional approach for red flag breast cancer assessments, a significant reform designed to standardise waiting times for patients across Northern Ireland.

The new regional system, which is now live, aims to address long-standing disparities in waiting times and ensure that all patients referred with suspected breast cancer are seen based on clinical need, rather than their postcode. This initiative is part of the Minister's wider efforts to improve patient outcomes and restore public confidence in diagnostic services.

The rollout has been facilitated by the implementation of the encompass electronic patient record system, now operational in all Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts. This digital infrastructure supports coordinated appointment booking across the region and enhances the use of available capacity.

Minister Nesbitt stated: "Far too many women have waited too long, and that is simply not acceptable. This new regional waiting list is a clear signal that we are serious about doing things differently. It is a practical, patient-focused change that puts fairness and clinical need first – not geography or outdated processes."

He added: "While this initiative focuses on breast cancer assessment, it represents something bigger – a step toward a more responsive, more equitable health service for everyone. I have also commissioned a wider review of breast services. This review will develop standards for a regional breast service. My commitment is to ensure that all patients across Northern Ireland get the care they need, when they need it, wherever they live."

The Minister emphasised his focus on rebuilding the health service by addressing the capacity-demand gap, investing in staff, and making better use of existing facilities. "This is how we stabilise, reform and transform and this initiative is a clear example of that approach in action," he said. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) is managing the regional waiting list through a centralised administrative team. While most patients will continue to attend their local hospital, they may be offered an earlier appointment at one of five acute hospital sites: Altnagelvin Area Hospital (Western Trust), Antrim Area Hospital (Northern Trust), Belfast City Hospital (Belfast Trust), Craigavon Area Hospital (Southern Trust), or Ulster Hospital Dundonald (South Eastern Trust).

Patients will still be referred and triaged by their home Trust. Those meeting red flag criteria will then be passed to a regional booking team managed by the SEHSCT. This team will contact patients directly, offering the earliest available appointment anywhere in the region, with the option to wait for a local slot if preferred. Following assessment, patients will return to their home Trust for any necessary treatment. Support with travel may be available for eligible individuals, and a new regional breast pain service is also being developed to help ease demand on assessment clinics.

Minister Nesbitt praised the collaborative effort behind the reform: "This is a change built on partnership. It has been achieved through genuine co-production between clinicians, Trusts, administration teams and most importantly, the patients we serve. I want to thank everyone involved for making this major reform possible."

Breast assessment services provide outpatient diagnostics for individuals referred with red flag symptoms of suspected breast cancer. These 'one-stop' clinics can include a breast examination, imaging (mammogram or ultrasound), and biopsy if required, delivered by a multidisciplinary team.

Currently, this regional system applies only to red flag breast cancer referrals. Patients with other breast-related symptoms will continue to be seen through local pathways. However, the wider review of breast services will set standards and make recommendations for the delivery of all symptomatic breast services.