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MLA Liz Kimmins has said the rise in patient deaths while waiting for an ambulance is "deeply worrying and totally unacceptable."
The comments followed a question by South Down MLA Colin McGrath to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt asking the number of incidents reported where a patient has passed away while awaiting an ambulance over the past five financial years. In 2023 to 2024 there were 50 deaths compared to 37 in 2022 to 2023, 34 in 2021 to 2022 and 16 in 2020 to 2021.
The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said: “Ambulance waiting times have increased and the demand for emergency ambulance care coupled with ongoing pressures in ambulance handover times show an extremely worrying trend.
"Paramedics and ambulance staff work in some of the most difficult circumstances and are the first response to medical emergencies.
“Unfortunately, staff shortages and pressures on A&E departments are causing delays, with paramedics waiting with patients for hours.
The Newry and Armagh public representative added “Urgent action to address the ongoing crisis needs to be taken by the Minister and his department to improve patient safety.
“We will continue to support all efforts to improve and transform our Health and Social Care system to deliver better health outcomes for people.
