The unhealthy state of hospital waiting lists

Synopsis: Northern Ireland waiting times have been reported to be the worst in the United Kingdom, and amongst some of the worst in Europe - even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures suggest that approximately one in every four people are now waiting for a first hospital consultation or procedure. Whilst radical change in this area is a must, this Research Paper seeks to unpick two issues for the Committee for Health, specifically in relation to: Gaps in how the data is reported; and, Gaps in the financing of waiting lists.

Date: 10 December 2021