The Ulster Unionist Party has roundly criticised Health Minister Simon Hamilton for failing to appear for a key debate in the Assembly regarding the developing crisis in cancer services.
Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA, said:
“The selfishness of Simon Hamilton, in refusing to take part in the debate, will have galled the thousands of patients caught up in the crisis which currently exists across the local health service. At the very same time as the debate was taking place in the Assembly Chamber, he was seen calmly walking through the upper floors at Stormont.
“Mr Hamilton and his on/off Ministerial colleagues may think that their regular resignations and re-nominations are a convincing display of principle, but for the growing numbers of unwell people it is an act of unparalleled self-interest. The crisis across the health service, which includes growing delays in the diagnosis of cancer and other life-threatening diseases, requires serious and immediate intervention. By failing to even sit and listen to the debate in the Assembly Chamber the Minister has sent out his clearest signal yet that his priority is no longer the wellbeing and safety of patients.
“During the debate I specifically highlighted the situation in the Belfast Trust where only 27% of breast cancer sufferers in June were seen within 14 days, despite the target being 100%. Given the Minister clearly thinks he has better things to do, I intend to raise this specific issue with the Permanent Secretary at the Health Committee on Wednesday afternoon at Stormont. Someone needs to take accountability.”
Former Ulster Unionist Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, said:
“The crisis in our local health service is now so severe that there are local cancer patients coming to harm as a result of the delays. That is simply outrageous. Entirely innocent men and women, young and old, are reeling from the impact of a Minister who has abdicated all sense of responsibility.
“I would urge Simon Hamilton to listen to the pleas of his nurses and the cancer patient organisations who in recent days have both called on him to set his political posturing to one side.”