New system introduced for outpatients

Orthopaedic services in Northern Ireland are set to be transformed with the introduction of a new system for outpatients.

Launching the Orthopaedics Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services across Northern Ireland, Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today said patients will no longer face lengthy waits to see a specialist.

He said: “Until recently, patients were waiting many months or years to see a specialist and then had to endure a further long wait for surgery. This was unacceptable and had to change.

“Excellent progress has been made over the last two years and now no patient is waiting more than six months for an outpatient assessment or for surgery.

“I commend the efforts of health service staff to meet these targets. However, six months is still too long for patients to wait who are experiencing pain and anxiety. That is why I have set more challenging targets to reduce the time patients wait for assessment to no more than 13 weeks by March 2008.

“To achieve these targets will require dedication and commitment from staff across the health service and a change to the way services are delivered. ICATS represents one of the most significant elements of this change.”

Previously patients who were referred by their GP were automatically placed on a list to see a hospital consultant. In future, patients who do not require urgent treatment will be referred to a team of health service professionals for assessment, treatment or diagnostic tests.

(JM/KMcA)