Figures prove Belfast City Hospital A & E Unit a vital service to community

South Belfast DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has questioned the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Michael McGimpsey, regarding the use of the Accident and Emergency Unit at Belfast City Hospital. Mr Spratt sought answers on the use of the A & E unit at the site following a consultation paper released by the Belfast Trust cast doubt over the future of the facility.

 

Commenting after receiving answers from the Minister, Mr Spratt said:

 

‘After reading the consultation report and the subsequent coverage in the local press, I thought it appropriate to ascertain from the Minister how many people use the Accident & Emergency Unit at Belfast City Hospital.

 

Having received the figures, it is clear that the unit does an invaluable job because of the sheer volume of people requiring assistance. In each of the last three years almost 50,000 have attended the A & E Unit at Belfast City Hospital. This is a huge number of people in need of assistance in an accessible location.

 

Furthermore, figures released show that in 2007 17416 attendees had to wait in excess of three hours to receive treatment. This further highlights the strain that the unit is under and the need for such a service to be developed rather than reduced.

 

I welcome the fact that in response to my questions the Minister has concluded that the A & E Unit at Belfast City Hospital plays a vital role providing emergency care and that it will continue to do so for many years to come. Such an admission is welcome. It is important that the Minister now shows his commitment to the service provided at the City Hospital site in working to reduce waiting times at Accident and Emergency and I will continue to press that this be the case.’