AQW 3256/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 20/09/2022
Answered On Date: 25/10/2022
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health what action his Department is taking to address waiting lists for Community Paediatric appointments in the Southern Trust area.

Answer:

There has been a significant (20%) increase in referrals to Community Paediatrics in 2021/22.

Demand is placing existing services under considerable pressure resulting in waiting lists. In response, the Trust has implemented a number of measures to address waiting lists for Community Paediatric Service appointments including:

Regular review and validation of waiting lists,

Waiting list Initiative (WLI) additionality for community paediatric outpatient clinics with monthly review of performance,

Recent recruitment of permanent 1.5 WTE Speciality Doctor.

Ongoing implementation of Regional Emotional Health and Wellbeing Framework (EHWB)-to deliver a proactive, integrated and streamlined pathway for children with emotional health and well-being needs with a single point of entry for referrals.

Referrals to the single point is discussed by a multidisciplinary team to help inform the most appropriate support for the child or young person and their family. Access to all services are needs led and delivered in line with current clinical guidelines and evidence based best practice which is in partnership with children and their families.