HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 cc175-6W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when a patient referred on 9 February by his or her family doctor can expect to have(a) an initial out-patient assessment and (b) routine elective surgery in orthopaedics. [154588]

Angela Smith

This information is not available in the form requested.

It should be noted, that over 80 per cent. of in-patients for trauma and orthopaedics and 90 per cent. of outpatients are seen in less than 12 months.

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients have been waiting for(a) less than six months, (b) six to 12 months, (c) one to two years, (d) two to three years and (e) more than three years to have an (i) in-patient admission and (ii) initial out-patient assessment in orthopaedic surgery. [154589]

Angela Smith

Waiting list statistics are submitted to the Department at specialty level. The information in this answer relates to people waiting in the trauma and orthopaedics specialty at 30 September 2003 (the most recent information available). Waiting list statistics are collected in three-month time bands for all patients waiting up to 24 months. Patients waiting 24 months or more are grouped together within one category therefore patients waiting two to three years and more than three years cannot be separately identified.

Number awaiting in-patient admission Number awaiting initial out-patient assessment
6 months 2,748 8,871
6–12 months 1,780 3,750
1–2 Years 1,121 3,646
2+ years 604 3,352
Source:
CHI and CH3

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to tackle waiting lists in orthopaedic surgery; and if he will make a statement. [154599]

Angela Smith

A number of initiatives are being taken to reduce the length of time people are waiting for orthopaedic surgery. These includeIncreasing the number of trainees in this specialty. A review of acute trauma services, which is underway at present. This review is expected to make recommendations for improvements in the delivery of trauma services and will provide strategic direction in the future development of the orthopaedic/fracture seyvice. The building of two new modular theatres for Musgrave Park Hospital. This has increased theatre capacity, which will improve fracture services, stabilise and reduce waiting lists and facilitate the mix of elective, trauma and out-patient work of consultant orthopaedic surgeons. The appointment earlier this year at Green Park Health and Social Services Trust of a waiting list manager and the establishment of a centralised waiting list team.

The increase in waiting times in recent years reflects a general rise in demand on the orthopaedic service and there is a considerable commitment and determination to deal with it.