Debate contribution: Hospital Appointments: Postal Services

Debate contribution by Mrs Linda Dillon on 5 May 2026.

MLA: Mrs Linda Dillon
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 5 May 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Hospital Appointments: Postal Services
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5524634

Text

I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, I have been contacted by a significant number of constituents, particularly from the area around Pomeroy, who have many issues to do with health because that area straddles two trusts. Appointment letters do not reach them, and some are for serious appointments that they absolutely cannot afford to miss. Mid Ulster District Council met Royal Mail and the trusts about that, and I do not think that it really got the answers that it required. A number of people have been removed from waiting lists because they missed appointments. Can we get an absolute guarantee from you today that no patient will be put off a list because they missed an appointment due to a failure of Royal Mail to deliver that post? The trust has the contract with Royal Mail, and the patient relies on that letter coming to them. I acknowledge that we have the My Care app and the reminder text. Not everybody is able to access and avail themselves of the My Care app.

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

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Oral question AQO 3498/22-27.

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