To ask the Minister of Health how his Department is supporting Health and Social Care Trusts to increase treatment capacity in high-demand specialities such as orthopaedics, dermatology and gynaecology.

I am committed to addressing the challenges faced by Health and Social Care Trusts in managing high-demand specialties such as orthopaedics, dermatology, and gynaecology. My Department has implemented several strategies to increase treatment capacity and reduce waiting times in these critical areas.

Non-Recurrent Funding for Waiting List Initiatives (WLI):

As outlined in my statement to the Assembly on 6 May 2025, £215m has been ringfenced for Health in this year’s budget to be invested across three areas for waiting list activities: to expand core capacity to reduce the red flag/time critical gap (£85m); increase core routine capacity (£80m); and, non-recurrent funding (£50m) to start tackling the backlog of patients waiting.

The package of measures which will be taken forward to tackle waiting lists include targeting long waiting patients, expansion of elective services in primary care, investment in mega clinics and a new Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme.

The package of measures which will be taken forward to tackle waiting lists include targeting long waiting patients, expansion of elective services in primary care, investment in mega clinics and a new Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme.

Inter-Trust Patient Transfers:

To facilitate the equalisation and reduction of waiting times, my department continues to support the inter-Trust transfer of patients. This approach allows patients to receive treatment more swiftly by utilising capacities available across Trusts, where possible, rather than patients being delayed waiting for procedures in hospitals of high demand.

Department of Health Oversight:

The Department meets quarterly with Trust colleagues to review performance against specific targets and pathways, including those for high-demand specialties. This group plays a crucial role in maximising efficiencies within current service provision and ensuring that Trusts are adhering to performance optimisation plans.

Implementation of GIRFT Recommendations:

Following the "Getting It Right First Time" (GIRFT) reports, such as the one for gynaecology, my Department has established forums with representation from Trusts, the Public Health Agency (PHA), and General Practitioners (GPs). These forums oversee the implementation of recommendations aimed at improving service delivery and patient pathways in specialties like gynaecology and orthopaedic.

Support for Patient Self-Management:

Recognising the importance of patient well-being while on waiting lists, the updated Elective Care Framework (ECF) outlines the need for policies that support patients in managing their conditions and overall health. This framework is particularly relevant as we develop strategies to manage waiting times in high-demand specialties.

Consideration of where is the most appropriate place to manage patients

My Department is working with between primary and secondary care to consider what patients are best managed in which arena. This can be seen in dermatology where photo triage services in primary care, mean that patients are triaged and treated locally and are only transferred to secondary care when this is appropriate.

Through these measures, we are striving to enhance the capacity and efficiency of treatment in high-demand specialties, ensuring that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner. My department remains dedicated to continuous improvement and collaboration with all stakeholders to address these critical healthcare challenges.