Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Cancellation of cancer ops ‘disturbing’
STORMONT health minister
Robin Swann has said he is “deeply disturbed” that cancer procedures are being postponed.
The Belfast Health Trust issued an apology after cancelling 106 planned surgeries and scopes.
The trust explained that the “extremely difficult decision” was taken to expand Covid-19 intensive care capacity.
Mr Swann said he will be seeking assurances that any cancelled procedures will be rescheduled urgently.
He added: “This situation is extremely distressing for patients and families and I sincerely apologise for the distress caused.
“This is also a dreadful position for our healthcare 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.
“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.”
Stormont Health Committee chairman, Sinn Fein’s Colm Gildernew, described the situation as “unacceptable”.
He said: “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.”