§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals are awaiting an initial appointment with a hospital consultant. [173617]
§ Angela SmithThe latest available waiting list figures show the position at 31 December 2003, when there were 146,180 people awaiting a first outpatient appointment (including cancellations and deferrals) in Northern Ireland.
This information is published in the "Northern Ireland Waiting List Quarterly Information Release" on the first Thursday in March, June, September and December. A copy of this publication is placed in the House of Commons Library or can be obtained from the DHSSPS website, internet address: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/publications/index.html