Confirmation that no funds have been identified for a new Emergency Department at Altnagelvin marks a continuation of ‘Stormont discrimination against Derry and the North West’, People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin has said.

Colr. Harkin said the lack of funding to facilitate plans for a new Emergency Department was a reminder that ‘regional disparity continues to be a Stormont policy with dire consequences for workers and patients’.

“The existing Altnagelvin A&E is the oldest 24-hour emergency facility in the North, dealing with more than double the number of patients it was originally designed to support. Recent upgrades are welcome but Derry's city status and the broader North West population should have made a new Altnagelvin A&E a Stormont priority,” the Foyleside representative said, adding:

“Despite promises and election guarantees, consecutive Health Ministers and consecutive Stormont Executives have failed to make a new fit-for-purpose Altnagelvin Emergency Department an actual priority.

Colr. Shaun Harkin pictured previously with resident doctors’ on the picket line outside Altnagelvin Hospital. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

placeholder image — Colr. Shaun Harkin pictured previously with resident doctors’ on the picket line outside Altnagelvin Hospital. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

“This announcement will further demoralise Altnagelvin's workforce overwhelmed at A&E numbers, dealing with more health service cuts, a lack of patient flow and for whom the Stormont Executive has once again failed to deliver even a paltry pay rise.

“Horror stories of patients trapped at A&E for hours and left waiting for care in corridors and on floors will continue.”

Colr. Harkin said that while the Executive Ministers claim there is no money to build the new Altnagelvin ED, ‘hundreds of millions are drained out of the Health Service every year to corporations’.

“Following the passing of my Derry and Strabane Council motion opposing millions in health service cuts, representatives from UNISON, UNITE, NIPSA and the RCN will address a special meeting in the Guildhall on Monday, October 26.

“This will be an opportunity for Altnagelvin workers and their respective trade unions to outline the impact of A&E pressures, budget cuts, ward congestion, staffing shortages and cost-of-living pressures they face.

“I encourage health service supporters to attend the deputation and join the 3.30pm Derry Trades Union Council rally at the Guildhall before the Council meeting.

“We want our health service to thrive. Let's get behind the workers at its heart and the trade unions campaigning to save it."

Health Minister Robbie Butler during a visit to Altnagelvin Hospital on Wednesday last told the BBC that the new emergency department at Altnagelvin hospital remains a priority project but there is currently no funding for it.

“If the money became available, I would say the case has been well made,” he said.