Believe touch of humour eases most situations. Glenman with scars. UUP MLA North Down. Party health spokesperson. Member NI Policing Board. Chair Audit Comm.
Good to hear more good news regarding reduction of health waiting lists. Involvement of Prof Mark Taylor has been pivotal in helping achieve these successes. No one is under any illusion that there is much more work to be done, delivered by dedicated health staff @uuponline
📈 The Health Minister has confirmed a collective effort has delivered significant reductions in longest waits for patients and a number of named paediatric (children’s) procedures.
👉 Read the full breakdown here: https://t.co/ezEVm7Ua9s
✅Today's published waiting times statistics tell an important story for patients right across Northern Ireland. Lists are coming down. Waits are getting shorter. Over 16,000 fewer people waiting for an outpatient appointment. Over 4,500 fewer waiting for inpatient treatment. Nearly 3,000 fewer waiting for a diagnostic test.
When Mike Nesbitt took on health, he made a promise to the people of Northern Ireland.
Today's figures show that promise is being kept, quarter by quarter, patient by patient.
The murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton and subsequent police actions is a distressing and sad case.The murderer and his mother have appeared before the court.
However, what happened to the brother who made the false call to police? What a tragic loss of a life full of promise.
Disturbing news regarding the incident in Downpatrick that has resulted in an officer being seriously injured. My thoughts are with the injured officer and for him to make a full recovery. I hope the person responsible for this attempted murder is quickly apprehended. @uuponline
Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has welcomed the announcement by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt that £80 million will be ringfenced during 2026/27 for elective care and waiting list reduction activity across Northern Ireland.
Alan Chambers MLA said:
“For too long, too many patients across Northern Ireland faced unacceptably long waits for treatment, often while living in pain, uncertainty and frustration.
“This investment demonstrates a clear determination to confront that challenge head on and ensure reducing waiting times remains one of the Executive’s highest priorities.
“The Ulster Unionist Party has consistently made the case for the Executive to better support our health service and this announcement again reflects that commitment being translated into real benefit for patients.
“Huge progress has already been made in reducing many of the longest waits and the success of last year has shown what can be achieved through sustained investment, protected elective care funding and reform.
“The fact that four-year waits have now been eliminated across various specialities would have been unimaginable only a short time ago. But realistically a maximum wait of four years is still too long and that is why new more ambitious targets are being set by the Minister.
“Behind every improvement are dedicated staff working under enormous pressure to deliver for patients every day. They deserve enormous credit for the progress now being made across our health service.”
Had the privilege to attend a Speaker's lunch with Mr Hamish Cooper, the New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He was accompanied by Ms Caroline Keenan, who is the local NZ Consul. Discussion included potential trading partnerships between NI and NZ. @uuponline
Climate change at work in Groomsport today? Had to admire the optimism and mission dedication of the ice cream man on his pitch behind a Harbour Road flash flood. Hopefully, the sun will come back to shine.
Shocking news regarding a shooting in Bangor that has left a man with severe leg injuries. Myself, and also the people that I represent, totally reject this apparent throwback to former dark days and will call out behaviour that has no place in a civilised society. @uuponline
"𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫?"
Our farmers, the WASPI women, Northern Ireland veterans, and the victims of the Troubles - they have all been failed by this Government.
@UUPWestminster@uuponline@WASPI_Campaign@UFUHQ
Ulster Unionist Party welcomes landmark public health reform as Tobacco and Vapes Act becomes law
Robin Swann and Alan Chambers have welcomed the granting of Royal Assent to the Tobacco and Vapes Act, describing it as a defining moment for public health in Northern Ireland and the delivery of a long-standing Ulster Unionist Ministerial priority.
The UK-wide legislation introduces sweeping measures to create a smoke-free generation and tackle the growing problem of youth vaping.
Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann said:
“As Health Minister in 2024, I supported the development and direction of this legislation, building on the action we had already taken to strengthen tobacco control and protect public health. More recently, I have engaged extensively during the Bill’s passage at Westminster.
“This Act sends a strong signal that we are serious about creating a smoke-free generation and ensuring that today’s children are not tomorrow’s patients. Protecting young people from addiction and reducing preventable deaths has always been central to my approach.”
Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA said:
“This is a landmark step forward for public health. Smoking causes over 2,000 deaths annually in Northern Ireland and remains a major driver of health inequality.
“The legislation strikes the right balance, supporting those who want to quit while putting firm protections in place to stop children and young people being drawn into addiction.
“The Assembly’s most recent support for Mike Nesbitt’s request for a Legislative Consent Motion on the matter reflected the strength of feeling across Northern Ireland, and I am delighted to see that work now delivered in law and about to make a real difference.”
@stengel Those privileged to be present in the Congress and giving the King a sincere standing ovation every few minutes didn't seem to share Mr Stengal's cynical view of either the significance of the occasion or the words spoken by the King.