Versus Arthritis Statement

Quarterly waiting times statistics for Northern Ireland have been published by the Department of Health. These reveal the number of patients waiting and the length of their wait.

Sara Graham, Head of Northern Ireland Versus Arthritis said:

“Today’s waiting times data announcement, still in development due to Encompass, show that we have a mountain to climb when it comes to addressing unacceptable waiting times in Northern Ireland.

“Nearly 24,000 people are waiting to be admitted for orthopaedic surgery in Northern Ireland, with 64% waiting more than a year. The statistics also show that in some areas, one in twenty are waiting around six years for surgery, such as a hip or knee replacement - a treatment that could transform their lives.

“Northern Ireland continues to have the worst waiting times in the UK and at the heart of this are people with arthritis whose lives are seriously impacted by pain while they wait years for that first appointment or for life changing surgery.

“Waiting years in pain means your health will worsen, typically making treatment more difficult and costly, with poorer outcomes and a greater chance of complications. This only adds further layers to Northern Ireland’s deepening health inequalities.

“Behind these long waits are devastating stories of people and families unable to enjoy life as they should. It’s time we see a clear plan for how orthopaedic waiting times will be realistically and sustainably reduced.”

Over 525,000 people live with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions in Northern Ireland. These conditions are among the biggest causes of persistent pain, disability and working days lost.

Joint replacement surgery is one of the most successful treatments for the excruciating pain of osteoarthritis yet people here wait many years for this surgery.

To be admitted onto the waiting list for orthopaedic surgery such as a hip or knee replacement, an individual will already be experiencing significant, daily pain.

Siobhan’s story

Siobhan Edgar, 63, from County Armagh in Northern Ireland, has osteoarthritis in her hips and knees, and has struggled with arthritis pain since she was 27. She waited seven and a half years for a total knee replacement, which eventually went ahead in January 2024. Waiting for surgery had a huge impact on Siobhan’s life, restricting her ability to work in the health service and to play with her grandchildren. It got to the point where her knee would frequently give way, leading to falls.

Since having her surgery, Siobhan says the intense pain has gone but her knee is still stiff, sore and swells up. Because of her knee and stenosis in her back, it is difficult for her to walk for more than 20 minutes. She also wasn’t referred to physio after her surgery, and she believes this delay negatively impacted her recovery.

Sara Graham, Head of Northern Ireland Versus Arthritis said:

“As Siobhan’s story shows it is imperative that we look at ways to help people maintain their health and wellbeing while they wait.

“We welcome the Minister’s announcement of funding for a ‘waiting well’ programme, and we would stress the urgency of implementing this work and initiating a programme of activities that support people to manage the symptoms they live with every day. This programme must be a reality not just an ambition, while the health service works towards reducing waiting times for good.”