The South Belfast MLA stated: “Reconfiguration of stroke services was supposed to be proceeding before the Pandemic, but over the summer we heard yet again that the decision over hyperacute units has been delayed.

“Yet the ongoing evidence of a ‘postcode lottery’ in terms of access to services and thus effectiveness of response reinforces the need to get on with taking and implementing decisions. 

“When it comes to reconfiguration of stroke services and indeed transformation of the health and social care system, we need to be clear that inaction will cause suffering. A clear direction needs to be set and pursued.

“There is no further time for delay. Full reconfiguration of stroke services must proceed swiftly, so that people right across Northern Ireland have access to the modern, efficient service they were promised at the outset.”