Statement by TUV Ballyclare councillor David Arthurs:
“A report by the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) into Antrim Area Hospital following an unannounced inspection back in March makes sorry reading. I am also concern that the report was buried from public view on the RQIA website until it made today’s Belfast Telegraph.
“While the pressures under which Antrim operates have hit the headlines during the winter months with patients waiting hours before being seen this report illustrates that the pressures on the hard-pressed staff are there year round.
“The catalogue of issues raised by the RQIA report – clutter within wards, blood stained walls, inadequate numbers of sinks, stained medical equipment, etc. – will doubtless concern the public and speaks of a hospital which is under strain.
“I want to make it clear that I am not being critical of the staff of Antrim Area Hospital. It has been clear for years that they have been in an intolerable situation due to cutbacks imposed upon the Health Service. There is an onus upon the Health Minister and the Northern Trust to take action which will reassure the public following this report. Things will only improve if issues are faced up to. Burying our heads in the sand is simply not an option.”