To ask the Minister of Health whether additional services, including independent sector or cross-border commissioning, are being considered to reduce waiting times for red-flag dermatology patients.

A package of initiatives is being implemented to address red flag and long-wait dermatology patients. These include:

Additional clinics in hospitals and the independent sector

Expansion of elective services in Primary Care

Introduction of the Waiting List Reduction Reimbursement Scheme

The additional waiting list clinics in hospitals and the independent sector are expected to deliver around 10,500 outpatient and day case procedures between April and December 2025, at an estimated cost of £5 million.