To ask the Minister of Health what immediate action he is taking to address the current pressures being experienced by Emergency Departments.

I fully recognise the severe pressures currently facing our system and in particular our Emergency Departments. Far too many people are waiting far too long to access urgent and emergency care services. This is unacceptable and falls far short of the service we strive to provide.

Unfortunately there is no quick fix. Addressing the current situation will required sustained effort and additional recurrent funding, including the building up of hospital capacity. That is why we need a long-term plan. I published the Urgent and Emergency Care Review for public consultation on 16 March 2022, which sets out my vision and strategic priorities for our future urgent and emergency care services.

I believe that the proposed reforms will help to ensure that all citizens in Northern Ireland have equal access to safe urgent and emergency care services, tailored to their specific needs, at the right time and in the right place. Our staff continue to do all they can to provide the best possible service in hugely challenging circumstances. We owe it to them and everyone using these services to secure major and lasting improvements.

In the meantime, the Health and Social Care Board is continuously working with the Public Health Agency, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the five Trusts on addressing waiting times at our Emergency Departments, enhancing flows through the system and facilitating timely discharge.