Debate contribution: Cancer Treatment: Inpatient Beds

Debate contribution by Mr Brian Kingston on 9 February 2026.

MLA: Mr Brian Kingston
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 9 February 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Cancer Treatment: Inpatient Beds
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5369278

Text

I thank the Minister for that detailed answer. Last month, I was contacted by my constituent Freda, who had had part of her liver removed due to cancer tumours. Unfortunately, one tumour returned, and she was due to have a liver ablation in early January at the Royal Victoria Hospital, but her appointment was cancelled twice because of bed shortages. Thankfully, she has since had the operation. She consented to my referring to her case. My concern, Minister, is that in cases such as Freda's, not only does the patient miss out on a time-critical procedure but all the resources to do with equipment and staffing to deliver that procedure potentially go to waste. My question remains this: in the interest of tackling our spiralling cancer waiting lists, should beds not be specifically reserved and ring-fenced to enable such inpatient procedures to go ahead and prevent that waste of resources?

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

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3052/22-27.

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