Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins today expressed ongoing concerns on the impact of long waiting lists to people’s health and well-being.

Reacting to the latest waiting times released by the Department of Health, the party’s health spokesperson said:

“The latest figures released by the Department of Health once again highlights the stark reality of long waiting times in the north.

“Behind each of these numbers is an individual and a family who are in desperate need of healthcare. 

“Long waiting times highlight the immense pressure on the health system and on staff who continue to work professionally and efficiently as ever to treat and care for patients, often in very challenging circumstances.

“The health minister needs to set out a plan to begin to tackle unacceptably long waiting times so people can access the care they need. This would ease pressure on other parts of the system – including GP services – allowing people to live longer, healthier lives.

“The British government must properly fund the Executive so it can deliver high quality public services, including health services.”