‘Unacceptable’ - Health Minister Robin Swann is slammed as cancer procedures across NI are postponed because of Covid-19

Minister Swann said he was deeply disturbed and is seeking assurances they will be rescheduled urgently.

The Minister will be looking to the health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland to reschedule cancelled appointments as soon as they feasibly can and to ensure that patients are kept fully informed.

“This situation is extremely distressing for patients and families and I sincerely apologise for the distress that has been caused.

“This is also a dreadful position for our health care staff and hospital managers to be in.

“The more critically ill Covid patients there are, the less staffing capacity we have in the system for non-Covid services.

“This is the dire reality that we find ourselves in.”

Minister Swann urged people to adhere to the new restrictions.

“Stamping down on Covid-19 infection rates is now more critical than ever as reducing our rates helps to protect our cancer and other vital services.

“As the citizens of Northern Ireland showed earlier this year, our best defence is to strictly adhere to the social distancing and hygiene advice.

“The protection of our health services is in everyone’s hands.”

Continuing the Minister reflected on the significant pressures that the health service has faced for many years.

He said: “It is no secret that we have long standing staffing pressures in our health service and they unfortunately cannot be fixed in the short term. I am committed to increasing our workforce however it takes years to train specialist staff who are equipped with the knowledge and skills that our health service needs and deserves.”

The Minister concluded: “Should we have a healthier health service? Should we be better able to absorb unexpected crises like a pandemic? Of course we should. It is a sad reality that after a decade of running on empty it is the exact opposite that has happened.”

‘Unacceptable’

Stormont Health Committee chairman Colm Gildernew (Sinn Fein) described the situation as “unacceptable”.

“Since June we have been getting assurances from the Department of Health that the process of rebuilding health services would proceed even within the prevailing Covid-19 situation,” he said.

“While patients understand the additional pressures that the health and social care system is facing, it’s unacceptable that they are not receiving the urgent care they require.

“Patients need certainty and guarantees that their procedures will go ahead, they should not be left feeling anxious and worried.

“The minister must immediately put plans in place to ensure cancer patients are receiving the urgent care and treatment they require.”

Meanwhile, deputy chair of the health committee Pam Cameron (DUP) urged Mr Swann to identify “key asks” for the Executive and Government to alleviate demand, and to consider calling on the armed forces for help.

“I fully appreciate that addressing the long-term staff recruitment and retention issues will not be a quick fix but we must press on with efforts to greater resolve it,” she said.

“It is widely recognised by all parties that our health service staff are under immense strain as the number of hospital cases of Covid-19 rises again.

“In other parts of the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Defence have played a central role in easing the pressure on health service staffing and resources.

“Locally recruited regiments, such as the Irish Guards and Royal Irish, have carried out duties in Wales assisting ambulance crews, operating drive-in testing centres in England and delivering supplies to name just a few examples.

“The minister must strongly consider utilising them in Northern Ireland to provide immediate support so we can scale up testing of healthcare staff.

“We need to act now to exhaust every avenue and ensure every patient with Covid-19 or another health problem receives a fair deal and equitable treatment.”