31/05/2026
Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has welcomed the announcement by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt that £80 million will be ringfenced during 2026/27 for elective care and waiting list reduction activity across Northern Ireland.
Alan Chambers MLA said:
“For too long, too many patients across Northern Ireland faced unacceptably long waits for treatment, often while living in pain, uncertainty and frustration.
“This investment demonstrates a clear determination to confront that challenge head on and ensure reducing waiting times remains one of the Executive’s highest priorities.
“The Ulster Unionist Party has consistently made the case for the Executive to better support our health service and this announcement again reflects that commitment being translated into real benefit for patients.
“Huge progress has already been made in reducing many of the longest waits and the success of last year has shown what can be achieved through sustained investment, protected elective care funding and reform.
“The fact that four-year waits have now been eliminated across various specialities would have been unimaginable only a short time ago. But realistically a maximum wait of four years is still too long and that is why new more ambitious targets are being set by the Minister.
“Behind every improvement are dedicated staff working under enormous pressure to deliver for patients every day. They deserve enormous credit for the progress now being made across our health service.”
