Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart in urgent meeting with health Trust bosses

Mrs Lockhart is expected to meet with the Southern Trust leadership on Thursday morning and raise a number of key issues including

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- winter pressures: the heightened demand on services during the colder months

- A&E wait times: long delays and increased patient numbers in Accident & Emergency departments

- discharge delays: persistent obstacles to ensuring timely and safe discharges from hospitals

- Domiciliary Care Packages: backlogs that are preventing individuals from accessing crucial support at home

- staffing and workforce planning: atrategies to address shortages and build workforce resilience

Mrs Lockhart said: “Our health and social care system is under immense strain, and this meeting with the Southern Trust leadership is an important opportunity to push for urgent action. Winter pressures, extended A&E wait times, and delays in discharges and domiciliary care packages are having a devastating impact on both patients and staff.

“Our frontline workers are the backbone of the system, delivering care under immense pressure, yet they are operating in a broken system. It is vital they receive the resources, recognition, and support they need to continue their life-saving work.

“Over the Christmas period, I have been contacted by many constituents who have expressed grave concerns about the state of our health services. I encourage anyone with specific issues or concerns to reach out to me so I can raise them directly during this engagement.

“We must find solutions to ease the burden on patients and staff and ensure a health system that works for everyone.”