Waiting lists for in-patient treatment in Northern Ireland hospitals today reached a new record high.
The figures have topped 60,000 for the first time, although health officials said measures to combat the continuing rise were starting to have an effect.
The total number of patients waiting to be admitted to hospitals at the end of September 2002 stood at 60,190.
But officials pointed out that over the quarter, the total number waiting has risen by just 239 or 0.4 per cent.
Over the year, comparing the end of September 2002 with the end of September 2001, the total number waiting increased by 3,477 or 6.1 per cent.
However, figures from over half the local health trusts in Northern Ireland showed that their waiting lists had fallen over phe last three months.
PA