Reset Plan transforming waiting lists in Northern Ireland

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed significant and sustained progress in reducing some of the longest waits for care across Northern Ireland's health service.

He described the improvements as clear evidence that his Reset Plan is delivering results for patients.

Since April 2025, more than 100,000 red flag or time-critical patients have been seen, diagnosed or treated across Health and Social Care Trusts (HSC) and through partnerships with the independent sector.

Based on current plans, this figure is expected to rise to around 226,000 patients — demonstrating the scale and ambition of the system-wide response to ensuring quicker access for those requiring time critical care whilst also tackling long waiting times.

There has also been substantial progress in reducing the longest waits. Between April and September 2025, the number of people waiting over four years for an outpatient appointment fell by 24%, equivalent to 24,811 fewer patients.

Minister Nesbitt said: “Today's figures show that the Reset Plan is beginning to deliver real and meaningful change. People who have waited too long for care are now being seen, and we are starting to turn the tide on the longest waits.

“There is still a great deal of work to do, but these results demonstrate that when we focus our efforts, work collaboratively across the system, and make best use of all available capacity, we can make a real difference. This is about building a health service that delivers timely care for everyone.”

Over the same period, the number of people waiting over four years for treatment reduced by 33%, a fall of 6,683 patients.

These achievements have been delivered through increased clinical activity, targeted waiting list initiatives, validation work and better use of capacity across Trusts and the independent sector.

Reflecting a Programme for Government priority, up to £215m has been earmarked for elective care initiatives in this current financial year.

Progress is also being seen across key procedure areas:

• Waits of more than four years for a colonoscopy have been reduced by an outstanding 81%. Two Trusts have now completely cleared their longest waits, while a third has just one patient remaining — scheduled for treatment later this month.
• Numbers waiting over four years for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery), primary hip and knee replacements, and tonsillectomies have all fallen by over 40%.
• Children waiting over a year for an endoscopic scope has been halved (51% reduction).
• Children waiting longer than 13 weeks for cleft lip repair and PEG tube procedures have reduced significantly by 58% and 67%, respectively.

Focused work within regional endoscopy centres is also delivering results. In August 2025, waiting lists were 58% lower, representing 23,362 fewer patients than the peak recorded in June 2022.

Primary care is playing an increasingly important role too, with GPs treating 4,258 patients across five pathways — vasectomy, dermatology, gynaecology, minor surgery, and musculoskeletal (MSK) as part of the primary care elective service.

The Minister highlighted the importance of strong clinical leadership in driving forward change, including the appointment of Professor Mark Taylor as Clinical Director for Elective Care.

He said: “Professor Taylor's leadership and the dedication of staff across our health service are central to this progress. We are changing how services work, clearing the longest waits, and building the foundations for a more sustainable system. Patients are already starting to feel the benefits.

“I am very mindful that there is still so much more to do but today is about recognising the significant strides that have been made in a relatively short period of time. We are operating in the context of unprecedented pressures and demands on our system and scarce resources, but within that challenge, lies opportunity for us to challenge ourselves to think differently. This momentum must continue, and it will.”

Minister Nesbitt reflected on these achievements as he addressed health leaders at the NICON 2025 Conference in Belfast, reaffirming his commitment to delivering a reformed, resilient, and patient-focused health service for Northern Ireland.