Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the use of the independent sector to treat non-COVID-19 patients.

As part of the plan to tackle the expected surge of coronavirus patients, health trusts are accessing independent secgtor hospitals to treat patients not suffering from COVID-19 for planned treatment, while Trust hospital sites concentrate on treating those who have contracted the virus.

“I know the independent sector here made its infrastructure available as a resource some weeks ago, but it was not structured to provide optimum treatment for COVID-19,” said the South Belfast MLA.

“Therefore it makes obvious sense to use the resource in other ways, for treatment which is vital but not related to coronavirus, and which ensures patients are treated in a safe manner.

“I applaud all those involved in this initiative for showing the foresight to enable resources to be broadened in this way.”