29 May 2025

SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has urged Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to assert more control in the running of the Belfast Trust.

He was speaking after reports of serious issues within the Cardiac Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Mr McGrath, who challenged the Minister at the Assembly’s Health Committee on Wednesday, said:

“The stories emerging from the Cardiac Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital are deeply concerning, particularly for the staff who have been subjected to unacceptable behaviour. This follows a series of very serious failings, from the hyponatraemia scandal, to the neurology recall, to the maternity hospital debacle.

“Our health service is in crisis, but the specific and repeated failures within the Belfast Trust demand direct intervention. The current position and model followed is untenable. The Health Minister must now show leadership and act before these problems are allowed to fester further.

“Last year, I called for the Minister to use his special measures to take direct control of the Belfast Trust, that call was ignored. I repeat it today, on behalf of patients and staff who continue to be failed by the current leadership.

"Our frontline healthcare workers are delivering incredible care under immense pressure, but the Trust’s systemic issues will not be resolved without fundamental change.”