Debate contribution: Release to Rescue Protocol

Debate contribution by Mr Mike Nesbitt on 2 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Mike Nesbitt
Party at the time: Ulster Unionist Party
Date: 2 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Release to Rescue Protocol
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5584401

Text

I had to reduce those delays. As the Member knows, the protocol was implemented on 27 April. She has identified the downside of it. As we have discussed already in Question Time, it is not just about what happens at the front door but about the whole flow through the hospital and out the back door and into the community, where we need more health and social care capacity. I had a couple of meetings with clinicians, hospital administrators and trade unions. I felt that it was going to take a long time to implement. However, initial responses about ambulance handover times at hospitals since 27 April are really good. I commend everybody involved because it is not just the ambulance crews but the intake staff, the nurses, the clinicians and the administrators. Release to rescue is only part of the solution to a bigger problem.

146 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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