To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023.

I am currently unable to provide the number of patients removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to changes to the criteria for assessment and treatment made in 2023. This information is held at Trust level and has been requested from the services.

In 2022, the Department of Health updated the Effective Use of Resources (EUR) Policy, following the review of the current evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. The updated policy also takes account of emerging clinical evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and similar organisations.

Subsequently, certain procedures, such as some vascular surgery, are only commissioned in Northern Ireland for patients who meet the criteria set out in the Effective Use of Resources Policy. This policy is designed to ensure that services provide the greatest clinical benefit and health gain for patients, while also maximising the effectiveness of public resources, including clinical staff and health service infrastructure.

Further to the direction outlined in 2022, due to the current pressures on the Vascular Service across Northern Ireland, a decision was taken in 2023 that varicose vein assessment and treatment could only be provided to patients with severe varicose veins. Patients would now be assessed and reviewed under these criteria. New referrals, which do not meet these criteria, will not be offered an outpatient appointment.

Patients already on the waiting list for a new outpatient appointment were revalidated, and if they did not meet the criteria were removed from the outpatient waiting list. The patient was subsequently informed, with guidance on best medical management provided to all patients with varicose veins. Patients can be re-referred to the service if the clinical condition has changed.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office are currently undertaking a review of Performance of Restricted Procedures by Trusts, which my officials are engaged with.

I recognise the disappointment for those patients who were removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria, after having being on the waiting list for years.

I acknowledge that the current waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy, and growing, for adults 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.