Alliance Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said that the implementation of the recommendations arising from the Hyponatraemia Inquiry is going to be significant right across the Health Sector.

The South Belfast MLA stated: “With the Assembly back up, it is now possible to implement the inquiry recommendations in full, including the relevant legislation on the Duty of Candour.

“This will clearly be important for people who have already waited too long to see the improvements promised from an Inquiry which started so long ago. However, it will have widespread ramifications, not just for policies and procedures in acute, hospital settings, but for right across the health and social care sector.

“The duty of candour will be a game changer, but we have to ensure that it meets the needs of patients and the wider public while at the same time not discouraging our valued workforce from performing their roles to the best of their abilities without constant fear of sanction or prosecution.

“The balance has to be struck and I very much look forward to continuing to engage with the Minister, Department of Health officials and my MLA colleagues to ensure that the resulting legislation is comprehensive and fit for purpose.”