Following the latest publication of Northern Ireland’s cancer waiting times that showed a further deterioration in breached targets and delays, Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Roy Beggs MLA has said that it’s time saving lives from cancer was put ahead of all the other political demands and red lines blocking the restoration of a local Executive.
Roy Beggs said:
“Once again these figures confirm that the situation in our health service is still getting worse. We have by far the worst waiting times in the UK and there is no longer any doubt that delays in treatments are seeing local patients come to real physical and emotional harm.
“Every time the cancer figures are released there is a collective sigh of disbelief right across Northern Ireland, but even that now quickly fades, for as a society we have come to expect nothing else. It’s an appalling and deeply tragic situation.
“Increasing referrals, combined with growing numbers of vacant staff posts in the local NHS, mean we are simply not meeting demand for key cancer services.
“It’s ridiculous that it even has to be said but the simple reality is that saving lives from cancer must trump all other political demands and red lines. No issue is more important. It is outrageous that an Irish Language Act is still being given more value ahead of the safety of local patients."