Latest hospital waiting times statistics published
Date published:
Two new accredited statistic publications and an official statistic publication were released today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Health (DoH) these publications present information on waiting times across Health and Social Care (HSC) trusts across Northern Ireland up to December 2025.
Key findings
Outpatient waiting times:
- 527,062 patients were waiting for a first consultant-led outpatient appointment at hospitals in Northern Ireland on 31 December 2025, 2.8% (15,389) fewer than on 30 September 2025 (542,451).
- 47.7% of patients were waiting for an appointment under the ENT, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, General Surgery or Dermatology specialties.
- The median waiting time was 63.7 weeks, a decrease from 64.1 weeks on 30 September 2025.
Inpatient and day case waiting times:
- 87,156 patients were waiting for inpatient or day case admission to hospitals on 31 December 2025, 4.9% (4,48) fewer than on 30 September 2025 (91,645).
- Two-thirds (64.2%) of patients were waiting for admission under the Orthopaedics, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat or Ophthalmology specialties.
- The median waiting time was 30.1 weeks, a decrease from 35.1 weeks on 30 September 2025.
Diagnostic waiting times:
- 220,999 patients were waiting for a diagnostic test at 31 December 2025, 2.9% (6,673) fewer than at 30 September 2025 (227,672).
- 63.5% (140,360) of patients were waiting more than 9 weeks for a diagnostic test, compared with 61.9% (141,036) at 30 September 2025.
Diagnostic reporting turnaround times:
- 483,401 diagnostic tests were reported on at hospitals during the quarter ending December 2025. Of these, 27.3% (131,791) were urgent tests and the remaining 72.7% (351,610) were routine tests.
- Of the 131,791 urgent diagnostic tests, 77.4% (101,972) were reported on within 2 days, compared with 73.8% during the quarter ending September 2025.
About this publication
These publications provide summary statistical information on outpatient waiting times, inpatient and day case waiting times, diagnostic waiting times and diagnostic reporting turnaround times in HSC trusts across Northern Ireland.
Figures sourced from encompass are considered to be ‘official statistics in development’. Therefore, caution must be exercised when using these figures.
These publications are released quarterly, the current publications cover the reporting period up to December 2025.
Further information
Read the full reports:
Northern Ireland Outpatient Waiting Time Statistics
Northern Ireland Inpatient and Day Case Waiting Time Statistics
Northern Ireland Diagnostic Waiting Time Statistics
View data tables and background information: