Almost 60,000 outpatient hospital appointments were cancelled in Northern Ireland last year because of a lack of staff, according to a report published by the Department of Health. In more than 52,000 cases, cancellations took place because a consultant was not available. The report, which is based on figures from NHS Digital, also found that there are now fewer doctors and nurses per head of population compared with five years ago. " The report also revealed 136,899 patients did not attend appointments.
Almost 60,000 outpatient hospital appointments were cancelled in Northern Ireland last year because of a lack of staff, according to a report published by the Department of Health. In more than 52,000 cases, cancellations took place because a consultant was not available. Patricia McKeown, from health workers' union Unison blamed the culture of cuts and said: "We are well below the level of doctors and nurses that we should have." The report also revealed 136,899 patients did not attend appointments.