September 11, 2020
Hospital waiting list increase hugely concerning; urgent action needed to protect capacity – David Cullinane TD

Responding to the latest figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund showing a record number of 610,000 people waiting for outpatient appointments, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD has said that the latest surge in hospital waiting lists is hugely concerning.

He has called on the Minister for Health to stop dithering and urgently produce a plan to protect capacity in acute hospitals. Sinn Féin published a plan in early August.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“Hospitals are struggling to deliver care in the current environment.

“I produced a plan to protect capacity in early August, but the Minister for Health has produced nothing.

“The basic facts are that we do not have enough doctors, nurses, medical scientists, consultants and allied health professionals to deliver the level of care needed to provide safe services in a Covid environment.

“There has been a serious lack of urgency surrounding this issue from the Minister and time is running out. He has been high on soundbites, but short on action.

“Without proper investment, the pressure on workers will be even more severe and patients will be waiting even longer.

“I am also highly concerned about NPHET’s risk assessment; particularly surrounding the consequences of poor communications. The Minister for Health has poorly communicated decisions made and he has floated ideas which have had to be dismissed by the Taoiseach.

“Poor communication undermines public confidence and the authority of the government to act at a time of crisis.

“We need clear and common sense solutions and improvements in respect of testing and tracing, and we need a plan to provide Covid related and non-Covid care.

“Under this Minister, we won’t keep up; nevermind catch up if he does not get his act together.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I welcome tonight’s statement from the Ceann Comhairle and her acceptance of the position set out by Sinn Féin and the combined Opposition - you cannot be in government and opposition at the same time.

This was a stroke too far on the back of a grubby deal and everyone knows…

One year ago today, history was made as I took up the position of First Minister.

Every day since, I’ve worked to ensure all our people are fairly represented and to meet the needs and aspirations of workers, families and communities.

I remain determined to do everything I can…

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the passing of a motion in the Assembly supporting greater north-south co-operation.

@DeclanKearneySF

👋 Meet your new Sinn Féin ministerial team.

Our strong Sinn Féin team in the Executive will work to continue leading positive change and improve the lives of workers, families and communities.

4

Load More

Statements