23/09/2014

Poots Under Fire Over A&E Problems

DUP health Minister Edwin Poots has come under fire after further problems at the Accident and Emergency Department at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast saw around 100 people waiting to be treated on Monday night.

Some patients were said to have waited up to five hours to be seen, as staff worked to copy with a high number of patients.

Alliance Health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy said: "I was shocked by the reports of how many people were waiting to be treated on Monday night. It is completely unacceptable that any patient had to wait for over 20 hours to be treated. I am concerned at how often these pressures are taking place, it now seems to be a regular occurrence.

"The Health Minister must resolve the pressures that are occurring at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He is struggling to deal with all the issues in his Department. If he is not able to carry out all of his duties then he must step down.

"While the Health Minister’s performance has been heavily criticised; the staff at our hospitals are doing a fantastic job despite the pressures they are facing."

(IT/CD)

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