Recently published waiting times statistics for the quarter ending 31 March 2026 show falls in waits for first consultant-led outpatient appointments, inpatient and day case treatment, and diagnostics compared with December 2025. The improvement coincides with a visit by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex to review services contributing to the reductions.

During the visit the minister met staff and patients at the Regional Endoscopy Centre and the Day Procedure Centre. He observed that more people are receiving assessment, diagnostics and treatment sooner, making a real difference for patients and families. He thanked staff for their professionalism and commitment, and said timely care remains a key focus.

The Regional Endoscopy Centre, together with its Lagan Valley counterpart, has now delivered around 20,000 endoscopy procedures. The service provides extra capacity for urgent assessments, including for patients on suspected cancer pathways.

The Day Procedure Centre, operating at both Omagh and Lagan Valley sites, has treated more than 24,000 patients between October 2020 and April 2026. In the 2025/26 financial year alone the Omagh centre carried out 1,109 theatre sessions and treated over 3,686 patients.

Mark Gillespie, Director of Surgery, Paediatrics and Women’s Health at the Western Health and Social Care Trust, said staff are proud of the high-quality care they deliver. He noted the centres are improving patient pathways through earlier assessment and planned treatment, reflecting the Trust’s focus on safe, effective and timely care.

The Day Procedure Unit operates as a standalone centre with three theatres, providing high-volume, low-complexity day procedures across pain management, gynaecology, urology, ENT, general surgery, ophthalmology and mental health. Pre-operative assessment services are co-located to support patient readiness and safe day case care.

Reducing waiting times is a key commitment within the Executive’s Programme for Government.