A staggering backlog in plastic surgery appointments is causing distress for patients across Northern Ireland.
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In a troubling revelation, new data reveals that over 2,400 patients in Northern Ireland have been waiting more than four years for plastic surgery appointments. This alarming statistic was highlighted by DUP MLA Diane Dodds during a recent Assembly Question directed at the health minister.
What could be causing such a significant delay in essential medical services?
The Extent of the Waiting List
As of March 2025, 2,408 patients were reported waiting for their first outpatient consultation in plastic surgery and pediatric plastic surgery specialties.
The South Eastern Trust, the only provider of these crucial services across Northern Ireland, is currently struggling to meet an overwhelming demand that far exceeds its capacity. How can we ensure that patients receive the timely care they desperately need?
The waiting list includes various procedures vital for patients recovering from cancer treatments, injuries, congenital anomalies like cleft lip, and other degenerative tissue conditions.
A spokesperson for the trust expressed regret over the situation, stating, “Regrettably, the demand for this service far outstrips our capacity. We completely understand how distressing it is for any patient and their families to wait any length of time for an appointment. This is not the service we want to provide.”
Urgency in Addressing the Backlog
The trust emphasized the necessity of prioritizing patients with urgent cancer or trauma-related needs. They acknowledged the Department of Health’s commitment to reducing long waiting times and noted that efforts are underway to increase capacity and expedite patient consultations. Current data indicates that outpatient waiting times for plastic surgery average eight weeks for red flag cases, 39 weeks for urgent cases, and nearly three years (150 weeks) for routine cases. Can we afford to let these numbers continue to rise?
In light of these figures, MLA Diane Dodds voiced her frustration, stating, “The statistics for plastic surgery waits are utterly unacceptable and demonstrate why we need to move towards region-wide waiting lists to eliminate postcode lotteries for patients.” She also expressed concern about the halt of procedures within the South Eastern Trust in January, which led to a complete standstill in patient consultations as new contracting arrangements were being established.
Government’s Commitment to Improvement
Addressing the issue, a spokesperson from the Department of Health confirmed that ongoing efforts are being made with the South Eastern Trust to alleviate waiting times for plastic surgery. In May, the health minister announced a substantial investment of £215 million earmarked for waiting list initiatives, including enhancements for plastic surgery services. What steps will be taken to ensure this funding translates into faster care for patients?
The Department is actively collaborating with South Eastern and Belfast Trusts to modernize and transform plastic surgery services. This includes exploring alternative methods for outpatient consultations, such as virtual or telephone appointments, to provide timely advice and guidance to patients. Furthermore, the plastic surgery service plays a vital role in managing trauma cases, necessitating the maintenance of capacity for emergency admissions.
To further tackle the backlog, additional measures are on the table, including the expansion of elective services in primary care and integrating a dermatology modernization process to connect with plastics. Plans are also underway for “waiting list mega clinics” and a new waiting list reduction reimbursement scheme, allowing patients to reclaim costs for private treatments in the Republic. Will these initiatives pave the way for a more efficient healthcare system in Northern Ireland?
