Following the resignation of Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Sinn Féin's health spokesperson and chair of the Health Committee, Philip McGuigan, is convening an urgent session to assess the implications for the health service and seek clarity on next steps. Mr McGuigan said: "As Chair of the Health Committee, I am convening an urgent meeting of the Health committee. We will ask the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health to attend so we can properly understand the impact of the resignation of Mike Nesbitt on our health service.

"The loss of Mike Nesbitt as health minister comes at a time when our health and social care system is already under immense pressure. Patients and staff need leadership, stability and clarity.

"The Committee should have the opportunity to understand what happens next, what positive role we can play to help stabilise a very difficult situation and ensure the interests of patients and staff remain paramount."