A MLA has called for an urgent health committee meeting with the Minister regarding pressures on the health service as over 400 peoplee waited 12 hours or more in A&E on New Year's Eve.
Figures from December 31, 2024, show that 892 people attended emergency departments with more than half of these waiting 12 hours or more for treatment.
It also revealed that 400 people were waiting for a hospital bed last week, adding further pressure to hospitals and waiting lists.
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Sinn Fein MLA Liz Kimmins has now called for an urgent meeting of the Assembly Health Committee and Health Minister Mike Nesbit in order to discuss how these issues can be addressed.
The party's health spokesperson said: “Figures from New Year's Eve showed that more than half of the 892 people who attended EDs had to endure a wait of more than 12 hours, with almost 400 people waiting for a hospital bed last week.
“The rapid decline in care packages delivered over the winter period is also impacting on waiting lists and families who are badly in need of support to help take care of their loved ones.
“I have requested an urgent meeting of the Health Committee so we can work collaboratively with the Minister and the Department to support and stabilise services.
“Sinn Féin will continue to support all efforts to improve and transform our Health and Social Care system to deliver better health outcomes for people."
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