Over 80 Patients Wait 12 Hours At Craigavon A&E

Some 83 patients waited longer than 12 hours for treatment at a Northern Ireland Emergency Department on Tuesday evening, it has emerged.

Alliance Councillor Eóin Tennyson branded the waiting times at Craigavon Area Hospital "appalling and unacceptable" following reports of the worst ever night at the facility.

The Westminster candidate for Upper Bann said staff must be commended for working under relentless pressure.

"It is utterly appalling and totally unacceptable that 83 patients were forced to wait for more than 12 hours for care on Tuesday evening," Cllr Tennyson continued.

"It has been clear for some time now that our hospitals are overloaded and fast approaching breaking point. We desperately need to proceed with the transformation of our health and social care system to improve access for patients and alleviate pressure on A&E departments.

"We also must act, as a matter of urgency, to address pay and workforce planning issues in the sector.

"It is disgraceful that these key reforms are being held up by the lack of an Assembly as parties appear to be more interested in prioritising their differences than working together to deal with the issues that affect all of us."



(JG/CM)