Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I am deeply concerned by the pressures being faced by staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital. The recent major incident and the news that five patients may have died partly as a result of staff shortages, have highlighted the problems around resources.
“The buck stops with the Health Minister. He must implement urgent measures to alleviate these pressures. He must be seen to be taking action to reassure the public.
“I am disappointed by the way he has handled this problem. The Minister must show leadership and resolve this matter.
“I am immensely proud of the dedicated and hard-working staff in our hospitals, but they must be given the support they require by the Minister.”
ENDS