§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients failed to attend out-patient appointments in Northern Ireland in each year since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [15112]
§ Mr. MossThe number of patients who did not attend out-patient appointments and failed to give advance warning to the hospital is as follows:
- 1991–92: 246,924
- 1992–93: 243,181
- 1993–94: 228,092
The number of non-attenders in 1993–94 represents 14 per cent. approximately of those who had appointments in that year. The Department of Health and Social Services is taking steps to ensure that the number of non-attenders is reduced considerably in future. Health and social services boards have been asked to review critically all aspects of out-patients waiting list management and later this year the Department will be launching a major publicity campaign aimed specifically at reducing non-attendances.