Waiting Times – Supplementary Briefing

Synopsis: This briefing paper has been prepared as a supplementary briefing to cover issues raised by the Committee for HSSPS in response to the Briefing paper 104/12 Northern Ireland Waiting Lists: Current and Historical Trends for Outpatients, Inpatients and Diagnostic Services. The areas covered by the briefing include: •A review of the key messages from the April 2012 RaISe briefing paper with the addition of a brief update of the latest waiting times in Northern Ireland for June 2012 •The various waiting time targets/standards across the UK – rationale and measurements used; •The private practice work of consultants – a brief history of the private work of consultants; the consultant contract; guidelines on private work; and any potential impact on waiting times; and •Other issues for Northern Ireland including financial penalties for Trusts not meeting waiting time targets; Outpatient ‘review’ appointments; and the measures in place in Northern Ireland to address waiting lists and the success or otherwise of these initiatives.

Session: 2011/2012

Date: 10 August 2012