The Ulster Unionist Party today brought a motion to the floor of the Assembly today in support of the Royal Victoria Hospital’s A&E Department.  The motion noted the UUP’s concern for the pressures that staff are currently working under and the impact this was having on both staff and patients.

Ulster Unionist Health spokesperson John McCallister said:

“My Party and I are deeply concerned at the pressure currently being heaped on the Royal’s Accident and Emergency department by the number of admissions who do not need emergency medical attention.  This is putting undue stress and pressure on the staff which is having a negative impact on both them and patients.’

“While it is normal for the amount of admissions to A&E to vary significantly from day to day, the high figures attending the Royal over the last number of month has proved to be more than a blip and has exposed a fundamental breakdown in organisation.’

“The Health Minister is responsible for his senior managers. If they have failed, whether through poor management or forward planning, or alternatively the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, then the blame ultimately lies at the feet of the Minister.’

“The recent closure of the Belfast City A&E has undoubtedly increased the strain on the Royal Victoria Hospital.  At the time the Ulster Unionist Party said that the City A&E should not close its doors until there was a bed for bed increase across the Belfast Trust to ease the pressure the other hospitals would face.  It is extremely worrying that this has not happened and the Department’s failure to do so should not result in patients’ lives being put at risk.’

“I would call on the Health Minister to review the Royal Victoria Hospital’s services immediately to ensure that the necessary amount of permanent staff are employed and are working effectively and efficiently so that the Accident and Emergency Department is running smoothly.’