4 July 2025 

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said fundamental change is needed at the Belfast Trust following the departure of its chair.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said:

“The SDLP has been raising serious concerns about the management of the Belfast Trust for some time. The recent scandal around workplace culture in the Cardiac Unit is just the latest in a long line of serious failings and I have been contacted by health workers from across the North sharing similar concerns.

“When trust leaders appeared before Stormont’s Health Committee, I was surprised at attempts by some to minimise the concerns of whistleblowers, staff who felt they could not speak out without risking their careers. There must be a basic acknowledgment of the issues and a clear commitment to change.

“From the delayed opening of the new maternity hospital to damaging patient recall incidents and persistent workplace culture concerns, the Belfast Trust has been mired in controversy. These are not problems caused by one individual, they require systemic reform.

“The Health Minister must now act quickly to appoint a new chair and work with staff and patients to rebuild trust and deliver the change that is so badly needed.”