NI waiting lists: Review of information given to patients

An investigation has begun into how Northern Ireland's health trusts communicate with patients on healthcare waiting lists.

The Public Services Ombudsman said the move was based on complaints as well as information received from the health trusts.

Ombudsman Margaret Kelly said waiting can have an effect on a person's "physical and mental wellbeing".

NI's waiting lists are the worst in the UK, and among the worst in Europe.

Waiting years for orthopaedic and gynae surgery, and even for speech and language therapy, is not unusual.

The investigation is to look in detail at the communication provided to patients who are waiting for medical care.

'Waiting times an issue of concern'

It will examine:

• Whether patients are told if they have been added to a list

• If their case is classed as "urgent" or "routine"

• How long they might have to wait

• Whether and how often patients are updated

Ms Kelly said although lengthy waits had long been an issue of concern, the focus of her investigation was on the communication between health trusts and their patients.

"There are over 300,000 people on waiting lists in Northern Ireland, and all of the health professionals say that will take between five to 10 years to sort," she said.

In the meantime, however, Ms Kelly said many of those on waiting lists were not getting the kind of information they need or being kept up to date.

"Sometimes when I speak to people or they bring a case, they understand the pressure that our health services are under, they understand that being on a waiting list is difficult but often necessary," she said.

"But what is making that situation worse is not knowing how long they have to wait, not knowing whether their case is routine or urgent, and having little or no communication as to what is happening."

Evidence is also to be taken from the public, via an online survey.

The investigation's remit is to look at the current policies, including guidance issued by the health department and whether it is consistently being applied across the health trusts.

The final report will be published when it is completed.