AQW 31938/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 24/09/2025
Answered On Date: 09/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail what proportion of multiple sclerosis patients received an annual review, in each of the last five years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

Answer:

Services for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are provided as part of wider Neurology services in each Trust area. Historically, information on new and review outpatient activity associated with patients with a diagnosis of MS has been included in the wider reporting of neurology services. Information on MS patients who have received an annual review is not therefore available.

Ii is however acknowledged that the current waiting times for neurology for both new and review appointments are lengthy and growing across Northern Ireland. This situation has arisen due to several factors, including funding that falls short of objectively assessed need and previous missed opportunities to reform health and social care delivery. I am committed to addressing this, subject to available funding.