Jim Wells spoke on Wednesday night to say that he wanted to let hospital staff get on with their work and that a Minister should only get involved if there is a problem. Around 200 non-emergency operations were cancelled as a result of the pressure on A and E departments.
Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I am shocked that Jim Wells has tried to claim that there was no need for him to get involved in the recent A and E crisis. He is the Health Minister, he should have spoken publicly during a major crisis. His silence showed a lack of leadership.
“If he did not want to get in the way of doctors and nurses then he could have at least put out statements and spoken to the public and media, showing that he was on top of the issue.
“It is unacceptable for a Minister to remain so quiet when such a big problem is happening within their Department.”
ENDS