Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health, Ms Bairbre de Brun came under severe criticism from unionists today about a beds crisis in an east Belfast hospital.
Democratic Unionist MP, Mrs Iris Robinson and Ulster Unionist MLA, the Rev Robert Coulter criticised the minister after it emerged eight patients at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald were on trolleys and at one stage, 24 were without beds.
Ulster Hospital chiefs said they regretted the situation but insisted plans to increase bed capacity were well advanced.
Strangford MP Mrs Robinson condemned the situation at the Ulster Hospital, claiming it was now worse than ever.
In a swipe at the minister, she said: "We cannot allow anyone to take up ministerial responsibilities without having a proven track record."
Ulster Unionist MLA the Rev Robert Coulter said the situation was "totally unacceptable" but was building for weeks.
"The situation has been reaching crisis point for some time," the North Antrim MLA said.
"Unfortunately it is not just as easy as ordering more beds for the hospital. If more beds are ordered then there needs to be the appropriate space available in the hospital and also the correct amount of staff to look after the patients.
"Nevertheless urgent measures must be introduced to tackle this problem because this is not something new to hit the NHS."
PA