Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has called the rise in patient deaths while waiting for an ambulance “deeply worrying and totally unacceptable.”
The party’s health spokesperson said:
“Ambulance waiting times have increased and the demand for emergency ambulance care coupled with ongoing pressures in ambulance handover times show an extremely worrying trend.
“Paramedics and ambulance staff work in some of the most difficult circumstances and are the first response to medical emergencies.
“Unfortunately, staff shortages and pressures on A&E departments are causing delays, with paramedics waiting with patients for hours.
“Urgent action to address the ongoing crisis needs to be taken by the Minister and his department to improve patient safety.
“We will continue to support all efforts to improve and transform our Health and Social Care system to deliver better health outcomes for people.”
