The East Antrim MLA said: “The latest publication from the Department of Health, showcasing the increase in emergency department waiting times, highlights the scale of the crisis facing our health service. It further reflects what we have been hearing in the Health Committee in recent months, that every emergency department is struggling to meet the demand on their services. 

“From April to June 2024, 46.8% of patients were discharged or admitted within four hours, compared to 52.5% in the equivalent period last year. This is despite overall numbers at emergency departments decreasing by 3.6% over the last year. If we are to deal with these unacceptably long waiting list times, it is essential we see urgent action and reform from the Department of Health to tackle this issue. It is not good enough that some patients are having to wait such long hours in emergency care. 

“Additional factors contributing to the rise in wait times also need to be addressed, including the growing pressure on hospital staff which emphasises the urgent need to progress safe staffing legislation. Hospital capacity also requires attention as it is crucial to ensure the prompt discharge of patients once they are medically fit, in order for beds to become available for emergency department admissions.

“My colleagues and I will continue to question the Health Minister on his plans to tackle waiting lists and support our valued health and social care workers dealing with these challenging circumstances.”