![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/northern-ireland-health-more-children-waiting-to-see-consultants/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127389704_gettyimages-1273758622.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesMore children in Northern Ireland are waiting to see a consultant for the first time.A review of child health waiting lists revealed that in the past 12 months, there had been an 184% increase in children waiting more than four years. Waiting times have also grown in other services for children, including mental health, speech and language therapy and autism assessments.The Department of Health said it welcomed the focus on waiting times.This latest review by the commissioner for children and young people is an update on a report titled More than a Number - A Rights Based Review of Child Health Waiting Lists, which was published in 2021. The review again brings into sharp focus the number of children waiting for different types of healthcare treatment and the lengths of time spent waiting.Image caption, Koulla Yiasouma said there was a historical lack of focus given to children's health servicesAcross almost every speciality, more children are having to wait longer to be seen.Since the last review, an additional 900 children are waiting to see a consultant for the first time. Children's commissioner Koulla Yiasouma told BBC News NI the situation was "alarming" as many of the children on waiting lists could be "experiencing pain and discomfort".She said the increased waiting lists were "unacceptable" and proof that the health minister should have done more for children's services."Parents' hearts are breaking as they watch their children missing out on a vital part of childhood while they struggle to manage health conditions," she added.Waiting lists for ear, nose and throat conditions are some of the longest.Almost 10,000 children are waiting for a consultant-led outpatient appointment and more than 4,000 for a procedure or surgery.In response, the Department of Health (DoH) said it accepted waiting times were not acceptable prior to Covid-19 and that they had been exacerbated by the devastating impact of the pandemic across all aspects of){kind=link}
More children in Northern Ireland are waiting to see a consultant for the first time.
A review of child health waiting lists revealed that in the past 12 months, there had been an 184% increase in children waiting more than four years.
Waiting times have also grown in other services for children, including mental health, speech and language therapy and autism assessments.
The Department of Health said it welcomed the focus on waiting times.
This latest review by the commissioner for children and young people is an update on a report titled More than a Number – A Rights Based Review of Child Health Waiting Lists, which was published in 2021.