Health spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, has praised the significant efforts of Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to reduce waiting lists, as new figures show a 46% increase in patients being seen by breast cancer specialists.

Alan Chambers MLA said:

“Treatment and consultation waiting lists have been one of the toughest challenges faced by Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt MLA, during his time in post.

“One area that has been concerning women with a referral to a specialist for a breast assessment is the potential of a breast cancer diagnosis. This results in severe stress for both the patient and their family. Given the messaging around early detection of any cancer, it is understandable that the patient wants the reassurance that only a detailed and timely specialist assessment offers.

“The Minister introduced a regional breast assessment scheme last year to remove the postcode inequalities around referral times. The new approach gives patients the choice of attending the earliest available appointment anywhere in Northern Ireland.

“The positive outworking of this system has seen a major 46% improvement in the number of patients being seen by a breast cancer specialist following an urgent referral in the quarter ending in December 2025. A total of 3902 patients were assessed against 2699 in the previous quarter. 

“The Minister has not shirked from conceding that his Department is still some way from achieving his desired 14-day target. However, he states that he is confident that the position will continue to improve. The latest figures provide evidence that even more improvements can and will be achieved.

“Current waiting time for a breast assessment is a worrying 5 weeks and 2 days, but is a vast improvement on the peak waiting time of 12 weeks in September 2025.

“The Ulster Unionist Party welcomes the Minister’s earlier announcement of £5m recurrent funding under the Elective Care Framework to reform the breast assessment service.

“The latest improved figures of patients being offered a breast assessment are a welcome step in the right direction, and the Minister has correctly praised the efforts of healthcare staff who have delivered this improvement. 

“We look forward to further improvements in waiting times for those women facing the stress of a breast assessment referral. The regional model is delivering results and points towards how other waiting lists can be reduced.

“The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to give our full support to the Minister and our wonderful healthcare staff as they strive to continue to provide first-class outcomes for their patients.”