Human Rights Commission inquiry into emergency care in the North has been welcomed by Derry MLA Maeve McLaughlin.
Ms McLaughlin, Sinn Fein’s health spokesperson in the Assembly and chairperson of the Stormont Health Committee, revealed he has already contacted the commission to request an immediate briefing on the inquiry.
Maeve McLaughlin said: “We have been saying for some time now that the health service has been staggering from one crisis to another, putting patients’ lives at risk.
“The intervention by the HRC means that patients, some in desperate need of immediate medical attention, are being so mistreated in A&E that it may breach their human rights.
Sinn Fein MLA Maeve McLaughlin.
“This is unacceptable in any institution but within hospitals, which are dedicated centres of care and compassion, it’s a disgrace.
“We have been calling on minister Poots to review how resources are being used in the health service as both patients and staff have highlighted serious breakdowns in care.”
Ms McLaughlin concluded: “This minister has squandered money on pursuing a personal religious agenda on equality issues like blood donations and adoptions while people lives are at risk from serious breakdowns in care.”
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