Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “We have all known about the pressures at the Royal Victoria Hospital, however I am shocked by the claim that as many as five patients may have died partly as a result of a shortage of doctors.
“The Health Minister is in denial about the crisis in our hospitals’ emergency departments. He must take immediate action to alleviate the pressures in our hospitals. While the Minister’s performance is up for debate, I would like to pay tribute to the dedicated and hard working staff at all our hospitals.
“My thoughts are with the families of these five patients. I hope they have received proper support and care from the health service.”
ENDS