Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has introduced a regional waiting list for breast cancer assessment in response to “unacceptable waiting times”.
The minister has also announced the imminent launch of a public consultation on “hospital reconfiguration” under Professor Rafael Bengoa to “reboot health reform”.
The breast cancer regional waiting list initiative will enable women to access the earliest appointment available anywhere in the north.
Mr Nesbitt said the move would “help address the disparities between different Trust area”.
He added: “It is not acceptable for women in one Trust area to have to wait significantly longer to be assessed than women in another Trust area.”
The minister has also requested a wider review of breast cancer services to be undertake “at pace”.
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“Engagement with clinicians, people with lived experience of cancer and cancer charities will be a central part of this review and I am pleased that workshops on mapping a better future are taking place,” he said.
“My overriding priority is to secure better outcomes for patients. The review of breast cancer services will include examining options for consolidating the number of locations where assessment and surgery are provided.”
At the same time, it will consider how aftercare and chemotherapy are provided, as these services should happen as close to home as possible, Mr Nesbitt said.
“Patients are prepared to travel for specialist assessment and treatment but want follow-up and continuing care to be closer to home. That’s exactly what I am aiming for,” he added.
“I look forward to launching a hospital reconfiguration framework very shortly. This document, which will be subject to public consultation. We will also be welcoming back Professor Rafael Bengoa to NI, as we seek to reboot health reform.”
