Guidance
Integrated Elective Access Protocol (IEAP)
Please follow the link below to access the protocol:
Integrated Elective Access Protocol | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)
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What are these waiting times for?
These waiting times are average waiting times for a first appointment or treatment across the different clinical specialties in each Health and Social Care Trust area.
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How do I find out how long I will need to wait for my appointment?
You start by selecting the Health and Social Care Trust that is managing your care, then you select the clinical specialty appointment you are waiting for.
Average waiting times will be displayed and are broken down in order of priority eg. red flag, urgent or routine.
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If the waiting times are shorter for another Health and Social Care Trust, can I move to the shorter list?
Patients will receive their treatment in order of clinical priority. Moving to another hospital or Trust does not mean that you will receive treatment any quicker and, in some circumstances, could mean having to repeat certain tests, investigations or appointments which would mean waiting longer.
We would encourage patients to remain under the care of their existing hospital. Should capacity become available elsewhere to be treated earlier, then the hospital will be in touch with patients directly to discuss the options.
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How often are these waiting times updated?
The webpages are updated by the first Thursday of each month.
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I’m on a waiting list but I don’t think I need the treatment anymore?
If you no longer require treatment, please contact the Health and Social Care Trust responsible for your care.
Contact details can be found:
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Why is the average waiting time for urgent patients longer than routine patients in certain specialties?
There are particular specialties / sub specialties where the number of urgent referrals are relatively small. Any delay in booking these appointments e.g. due to a hospital or patient cancellation, could mean that the average urgent waiting time appears longer than the routine waiting time in that particular month.
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What is an Inpatient?
Inpatient care is care provided in a hospital or other type of inpatient facility, where you are admitted, and spend at least one night – sometimes more -depending on your condition.
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What is a Day Case?
Patients who are admitted electively during the the course of a day for treatment or care, which will not require an overnight stay in hospital.