She was responding to new waiting time statistics from the Department of Health, which show that the number of people waiting for first consultant-led outpatient appointments in the Northern, Southern and Western Health Trusts have jumped by nearly 10% in the last 12 months.

Also, that over 50,000 people are waiting for inpatient care and 120,000 sit on wating lists for diagnostic services.

The North Belfast MLA  has said: “These statistics are a stark reminder of the need to deliver on healthcare transformation across Northern Ireland.

“Some patients are waiting more than 5 years to be seen for an outpatient appointment, and the picture is scarcely better when it comes to diagnostic services or inpatient care, with tens of thousands languishing on waiting lists and praying for the day their number comes up. Behind all of these figures are real people desperately waiting for often life-saving treatment.

“Alliance has consistently supported the Bengoa reforms as the pathway to fix these challenges. We must focus on providing diagnostics and treatment far more quickly, often within primary and community care settings. Bringing down waiting lists in this way, accompanied by a system-wide approach to regional specialisms and surgical hubs, will make the whole of Health and Social Care more efficient and responsive to patient need.

“It is immensely frustrating that the reforms have proceeded so slowly thus far, and while budgetary pressures across the Executive have played a part, this only underlines the importance of spending money wisely, targeting efficiencies and avoiding the duplication of services.

“This requires brave decision-making and strong political leadership. Alliance is up to the challenge, and we hope the Health Minister will be too.”