SDLP Health spokesperson Mark H Durkan has expressed his disappointment that a key health commitment has not been met as patients are still waiting longer than they should for a first outpatient appointment a hospital.
The Foyle MLA said: “The Department’s Elective Care Plan made a commitment that no-one should wait more than one year for a first outpatient appointment.
“The latest set of figures are unacceptable and continue to paint a bleak picture with little sign of improvement.
“Those on hospital waiting lists continue to suffer while the two larger parties are engaged in political brinkmanship. Instability and lack of action continue to facilitate excessively long waiting lists here.
“Every week I hear from people having difficulty in accessing the healthcare they need while our health care professionals are under increased pressure working in a system close to breaking point.
“The lack of a Stormont Executive and oversight from a Minister is damaging for the health service.
“The SDLP believes that healthcare must be prioritised. Transformation is the answer. Without a government up and running we cannot tackle the waiting list issue effectively,” added Mr Durkan.
