Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“The huge rundown in the number of available hospital beds over the last decade is both the consequence of deliberate Executive policy and has been a major contributor to the current crisis.
“Since 2011, at a time of rising need, there has been a 10% reduction overall and a staggering 20% in Belfast. And, then, some are surprised about persistent stories of patients waiting for beds. This Stormont made policy has failed. It together with the folly of ending pay parity led us, in significant measure, to where we are.
“Yet, is bed reductions set to continue as Executive policy? Among the muddled sound bites it seems to me it is. The Health minister needs to clarify if under his tenure we can expect to see this reduction continue or be reversed?
“The figures quoted come from a letter from the Health Permanent Secretary”.
Daily average available beds (Quarter ending September)
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Belfast | 2,402 | 2,302 | 2,256 | 2,181 | 2,138 | 2,143 | 2,062 | 2,069 | 1,967 |
| Northern | 1,046 | 1,032 | 1,038 | 993 | 966 | 1,000 | 1,008 | 1,011 | 1,014 |
| South Eastern | 927 | 960 | 939 | 960 | 909 | 932 | 944 | 942 | 943 |
| Southern | 997 | 966 | 917 | 868 | 880 | 897 | 910 | 893 | 913 |
| Western | 999 | 1,002 | 989 | 991 | 916 | 901 | 912 | 890 | 896 |
| Northern Ireland | 6,371 | 6,262 | 6,139 | 5,994 | 5,810 | 5,872 | 5,837 | 5,804 | 5,733 |