“The finding of today’s report are truly shocking. Children across Northern Ireland are being exposed to unacceptable levels of risk by not getting timely treatment and care. We are in complete agreement with our medical colleagues that this is nothing short of a catastrophe.
“Delaying treatment for children stores up huge difficulties for the future and the data revealed in this report reflects the experiences of nurses working with children in both inpatient and outpatient settings. If the status quo continues, we will be a facing a crisis in terms of health inequalities for children.
“We believe that further investment in specialist areas of nursing would at least alleviate some of the pressures being experienced. As the report states, there were 72 paediatric nurse vacancies in December 2023. This is 72 too many and much more investment is required if we are to make inroads in this area.
“As a society, we must ask ourselves, not if can afford to take action, but if can afford not to take action. Our lengthy waiting lists have become normalised to the people of Northern Ireland and what this report outlines is exactly why we need to resist accepting the unacceptable. Otherwise, we will be letting a whole generation of children down who will be suffering the consequences for years to come.”
