Swann ‘needs backing on waiting lists’

The latest hospital waiting times, published on Thursday, showe that around 44% of the 311,090 patients waiting to see a consultant for the first time have already had to wait more than a year.

Mr Swann said the situation faced by patients is “totally and absolutely intolerable”.

His UUP colleague, health committee member Alan Chambers, said: “The health minister recognises the huge challenges and is determined to make the changes required to address what he himself has described as indefensible waiting times. The health service will need political support and proper funding to do that.”

He continued: “I have complete confidence in the ability and determination of the health minister.

“He will only be successful if the rest of the Executive Parties demonstrate that they share his determination.”

Mr Chambers continued: “We now need to see political consensus and genuine political will to transform the health service to meet Northern Ireland’s needs in the 21st Century.

“All political parties need to support the health minister to take decisive action.

“There have been lost opportunities over the years, numerous reports published and warnings issued about the consequences of a lack of funding and meaningful change Robin’s predecessors, not least Michael McGimpsey. ”

He added: “Too many people across our country are suffering as they wait to be seen in our health service for it to be used as a political football.”