Outpatient and inpatient waiting lists fell as diagnostic list grew
Date published:
Two accredited official statistics publications and one official statistics publication were published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Health.
These publications present quarterly information on outpatient, inpatient and diagnostic waiting times in Northern Ireland.
Key findings
For the quarter ending 30 June 2026:
Inpatient and day case waiting times
- There were 81,223 patients waiting for inpatient or day case admission, 1,345 fewer than at 31 March 2026.
- The median waiting time was 24.9 weeks, down from 26.1 weeks at 31 March 2026.
Outpatient waiting times
- There were 504,537 patients waiting for a first consultant-led outpatient appointment, 6,143 fewer than at 31 March 2026.
- The median waiting time was 59.1 weeks, down from 60.1 weeks at 31 March 2026.
Diagnostic waiting and reporting times
- There were 231,145 patients waiting for a diagnostic test, 11,228 more than at 31 March 2026.
- During the quarter, 472,536 diagnostic tests were reported on at hospitals.
About these publications
These publications present quarterly information on waiting times for inpatient and day case admission, outpatient appointments and diagnostic tests in Northern Ireland for the quarter ending 30 June 2026.
They include information on the number of patients waiting, the length of time they had been waiting and diagnostic reporting turnaround times.
Further information
Inpatient and day case waiting times
Read the full report: Northern Ireland Inpatient and Day Case Waiting Time Statistics
View data tables and background information: Northern Ireland waiting time statistics: inpatient and day case waiting times June 2026 | Department of Health
Outpatient waiting times
Read the full report: Northern Ireland Outpatient Waiting Time Statistics
View data tables and background information: Northern Ireland waiting time statistics: outpatient waiting times June 2026 | Department of Health
Diagnostic waiting times
Read the full report: Northern Ireland Diagnostic Waiting Time Statistics
View data tables and background information: Northern Ireland waiting time statistics: diagnostic waiting times June 2026 | Department of Health