Health Minister’s statement on Belfast Trust Cardiac Surgical Unit

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:

I have held a frank discussion today with the Belfast HSC Trust Chair.

I made clear that the behaviours detailed in the report on the cardiac surgical unit are appalling and bring shame on our health service.

I will be holding the Trust's senior management accountable for its response to the report.

I am also finalising a series of Departmental interventions. These will include accountability measures as well as the provision of external support to help the Trust rebuild staff and public confidence.

We also need to ensure that the overall culture of the entire HSC system is welcoming for all those who work there.  I want assurance that any employee with concerns about bullying or other unacceptable behaviours is properly listened to and supported.

I will be meeting with health service trade unions early next week to discuss the planned Departmental interventions. I will provide a further update at that point.