AQO 2484/22-27 Oral question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health to outline the number of patients that have been removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list due to a change of criteria in the last 12 months.
Asked by Michelle Guy MLA on 25 September 2025
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 25 September 2025
- Answer due by
- 6 October 2025
- Answered
- 6 October 202511 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 6 October 2025. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr Nesbitt
In the past 12 months, 2,142 patients have been removed from the vascular varicose vein outpatient waiting list owing to a change of criteria, with 976 patients remaining on it. I recognise the disappointment of the patients who were removed from the waiting list. The fact that many patients had been on it for a number of years, however, is evidence in itself of the pressures and demands on the service. Similar to other services, waiting times for vascular surgery are lengthy and, sadly, growing. In 2022, the Department of Health updated the effective use of resources policy, following a review of the evidence-based commissioning position across a broad range of procedures and treatments. Subsequently, certain procedures are commissioned in Northern Ireland only for patients who meet the criteria.
Mrs Guy
Minister, it is very concerning that some 2,000 patients have been removed from the waiting list owing to a change of criteria. I can evidence that using the experience of one of my constituents, who has painful varicose veins. She was on a waiting list for four years and was removed owing to the criteria change. She was then re-referred by her GP but was again declined for a place on the waiting list. Can the Minister give an assurance that changing the criteria is not a tactic to reduce waiting lists while not treating patients?
Mr Nesbitt
I can assure the Member that the clinical guidance — CG168 — from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, as well as the views of a range of stakeholders, clinical and non-clinical, informed the effective use of resources policy for the treatment of varicose veins. NICE interventional procedures guidance was also considered. Further to the direction outlined in 2022, owing to pressures, a decision was taken in 2023 that assessment and treatment could be provided only to patients with severe varicose veins.
Madam Principal Deputy Speaker
Linda Dillon is not in her place.