27/11/2015

Health Minister Slammed Over Waiting Lists

An Ulster Unionist MLA has slammed Health Minister Simon Hamilton after it was revealed the number of people on medical waiting lists has reached almost 400,000.

Mr Michael McGimpsey said people suffering with serious illness are being badly let down.

The South Belfast MLA said: "Increased waiting times for assessment will inevitably lead to delayed diagnosis of serious or life-threatening conditions and this in reality means there will be a much reduced likelihood of a successful outcome.

"Simon Hamilton needs to get a grip of the current spiralling situation. A number of months ago I urged him to develop an emergency plan to tackle the current crisis in waiting times. A coherent, targeted and resourced plan is absolutely needed to help the most ill and the most vulnerable people who are likely to come to the most harm as a result of the crisis."

(CD/MH)

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