Tyrone MLA calls for action on children’s waiting lists

A WEST Tyrone MLA called for “urgent” action after a report found more than 17,000 children across the North have had to wait more than a year to see a hospital consultant for the first time.

Of that number, recorded in April, 24 children with confirmed or suspected cancers were forced to wait more than 12 months for their first appointment.

The review by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, examined how spiralling health waiting lists were affecting young people.

The commissioner told the BBC that the statistics were “terrifying”, adding that long waits can have a “profound impact” on children’s health outcomes.

Nicola Brogan MLA described the review’s findings as “shocking” and called on the health minister to address the issues raised.

She said, “These figures are shocking and this cannot be blamed on a Covid overhang; the truth is waiting lists have been left to spiral in recent years due to relentless Tory austerity and their attacks on public services here.

“Behind these figures are children who are suffering and their families who are overwhelmed with anxiety.”

She added, “‘The health minister needs to bring forward an urgent plan to get to grips with these shocking waiting lists and ensure that children have access to the timely and appropriate health care they need.”

Among the review’s recommendations was the appointment of a deputy chief medical officer position, whose role would be dedicated to children’s health.

The health minister, Robin Swann MLA, welcomed the review and acknowledged that the waiting times for children were “clearly unacceptable”, even before the pandemic.

He also confirmed that as of September, there were no “red flag paediatric patients” currently waiting more than 12 months for an appointment like the 24 recorded in April.

Mr Swann said, “Addressing waiting lists remains a top priority for me however it will require systemic change and long term investment.”

By James Kelly

j.kelly@ulsterherald.com