AQW 9944/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health whether he plans a new strategy to address waiting lists, given the second spike in COVID-19 cases; and what is the timescales for the strategy.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 9 November 2020
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 9 November 2020
- Answer due by
- 24 November 2020
- Answered
- 1 December 202022 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Elective care waiting times were unacceptable before COVID-19 and regrettably they will be even worse after COVID-19.
The need to redirect HSC resources to respond to COVID-19 has unfortunately had an inevitable and serious impact on waiting lists.
The New Decade New Approach agreement published in January 2020 included a commitment to introduce a new action plan to address waiting times however, this has been delayed due to the need to focus our efforts on responding to the pandemic.
I am committed to the introduction of a new strategy and action plan and I hope that I will have the support of all Executive colleaugues in providing the necessary resources