Statement by Richard Cairns, TUV representative for South Antrim:
“Last week we were being told that patients failing to notify hospitals that they could not make appointments cost the Health Service £16m last year.
“While it is certainly important to remind all users of health services that if they cannot make it to an appointment they should make a cancellation, but it is also crucial that the health departments in question do their bit.
“Only today I have been contacted by a constituent who has been trying all day to contact the Pre Assessment Clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital to cancel an appointment. Each time the number goes unanswered, goes to a message inbox that is full leaving him unable to cancel an appointment.
“This constituent is very mindful of how long it takes to get an appointment, and wants to do his civic duty in order that someone else can avail of his appointment slot.
“The Department of Health need to get their own house in order before they look to place blame elsewhere.”