Philip McGuigan
North Antrim · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I concur with the Minister that patient safety is ultimately the top priority, but patient safety is also important, as the Member said, in terms of assessments. If you cannot get assessments, your safety is compromised.”
“On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Further to my party colleague's point of order about the DUP's internal investigation, what is the point of doing an investigation if you are telling us that you have nothing to answer for? You were the leader of the DUP at a time when accusations were levelled against Jeffrey Donaldson.”
“Minister, in your previous answers you talked about the pressures and the difficulties. You said that you were looking for a fair funding model, and you spoke of the need for taxpayers here to be treated equitably.”
“Minister, the inquiry found systematic abuse, neglect and serious governance failure at Muckamore Abbey Hospital over many years — failures that were not isolated incidents but reflected systematic issues across leadership, staffing, safeguarding and oversight that resulted in decades of physical and psychological abuse.”
“When I engage with health service sectors as my party's health spokesperson, there is not one that does not talk about workforce pressures and problems with staff recruitment and retention. That is clearly the case with doctors.”
“First Minister, you have spoken previously about the opportunities created as a result of our unique economic and trading position and about the increased potential that comes with all-island cooperation.”
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“<BR /> <BR />Those issues, on an island with seven million people, are examples of how we can provide the critical mass required for world-class research and pioneering medical techniques to be developed. The health information captured in the joint census publication gives us, for the first time in many years, a genuinely all-island view of population health.”
“<BR /> <BR />The North/South-US cancer consortium, which was established in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement, has enabled over 40,000 patients to participate in clinical trials and has saved lives. The All-Island Cancer Research Institute has brought together 10 universities on this island to build a shared framework for cancer research that will save lives. The cross-border radiotherapy service at the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin again demonstrates how shared services can meet the needs of the local population more effectively. As I said, the All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network enables children across the island to receive world-class specialist cardiac care in a single centre while keeping diagnostics and follow-ups close to home.”
“My party colleague Conor Murphy said the other day that lives can be saved and economic development created through the all-Ireland coordination of healthcare: I cannot argue with that. He made those comments after presentations in the Oireachtas by the All-Island Cancer Research Institute and the All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network, neither of which involves any aspects of republicanism; they involve people who are promoting health policy and are trying to save people's lives and do the best for citizens. Those organisations and other groups are, by and large, increasingly coming to see the benefits of working together to improve things on an all-Ireland basis.”
“<BR /> <BR />I am my party's health spokesperson, so I want concentrate on health for most of my contribution. As Matthew O'Toole said, it is becoming increasingly clear that the economics of this island are on a certain trajectory, regardless of the decisions that made here, quite frankly. Business people who are looking at what is happening across the island are not waiting for politicians to tell them about the direction of travel; they are making judgements and decisions in their best interests. <BR /> <BR />Health is a particularly important area that people rightly want to see improvement in to improve their lives, but it will help with the argument about our constitutional trajectory. There is no area in which we can do more to improve people's lives by moving to an all-Ireland basis than we can through health.”
“We see that through the prism of using data to provide services to the seven million people of the island. We think that, by doing that, we will improve the lives of everybody in the North, whether they vote for Sinn Féin or not. <BR /> <BR />Timothy Gaston spent a good three or four minutes of his contribution talking about policies and decisions that were made by the British Government. Clearly, the British Government do not give a hoot about Timothy Gaston, the TUV, the DUP or Sinn Féin. They care not a hoot about the people on this island. We will probably see that again in the decisions that they take this Thursday in the Budget. That is why we should work together in the Chamber and across this island to make decisions about the people of this island.”
“Some people see data and facts as a Trojan Horse for constitutional change. Some, including the DUP, think that we should ignore the data and what it tells us and try to make the North work better. Both miss the point, which is that, by using the data to make proper policy, we will represent people much better in the North. <BR /> <BR />Matthew O'Toole said that he left the North for 20 years and came back to be a politician. I stayed and had no intention of becoming a politician; I see myself as a reluctant politician. I got involved in republican struggle for the simple reason that I wanted to improve people's lives. The DUP continually misunderstands what we are about. Sinn Féin and Irish republicanism is about improving people's lives.”
“<BR /> <BR />I disagreed with Doug Beattie to a degree when he said that the census was just a "snapshot". Obviously, it presents a picture of the here and now. However, the purpose of census data is to allow policymakers and politicians to look at trends, predict into the future and prepare good policy and legislation that is based on good, appropriate, factual data. It is true to say that there were different levels of enthusiasm in the Chamber on how best we could use the data. There were probably different levels of common sense applied to arguments against the motion.”
“It was clear from listening to the debate that, through the publication of the joint census, we now have a better all-island statistical picture. The joint census provides a coherent view of our population and allows us to compare social, demographic and economic trends on either side of the border. One of the most used words by almost everyone during the debate was "interconnectedness". I do not think that any of us could disagree that, on this island, there is a serious amount of growing interconnectedness. Members talked about various policy areas, such as the environment, education, animal health, the economy, tourism, trade, agri-food, regions and the north-west, and interconnectedness, particularly along border areas. That is why the debate is important. The use of the statistics that we have now is vital.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“Earlier in the year, the Comptroller and Auditor General produced a devastating report on the state of CT scans, MRI scanners and scanning equipment in general across the North. Can you provide any update on investment in scans in hospitals across the North?”
“I hope that the people of South Down do eventually get the good news that the people in the Northern Trust got just recently. I was going to highlight the fact, Minister, that you opened the new scanner in Causeway Hospital. I think that it will stop 655 patients per year having to go to Antrim.”
“<BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the inquiry and the important opportunity that it afforded to families and loved ones to come forward to tell their stories in order to ensure that their experience, grief and trauma were not and will not be forgotten. The report is an important landmark. It provides further lessons from that extraordinary time and the experience that we all went through, and it will help all of us, including the Executive, to learn lessons. It will also help in the long journey of recovery after the pain and trauma of the COVID pandemic and help to inform future preparedness for and response to any future pandemic or society-wide emergency.”
“Our thoughts are very much with those who suffered or lost loved ones during the pandemic. I pay tribute to the dedicated Health and Social Care (HSC) workers who stepped forward during that extraordinary time to see us through it. <BR /> <BR />The COVID pandemic was an unprecedented global emergency, the like of which no Administration, including the Executive, had ever faced. The inquiry into how the Executive and other Administrations navigated their way through the pandemic is clearly important and valuable work. I thank the inquiry team for its work, and I welcome the publication of its module 2 report.”
“We cannot continue to speak of transformation while asking patients to endure outdated wards and staff to work in crumbling buildings. The Birch Hill hospital complex is not a "nice to have"; it is a necessity. If we are serious about tackling the North's unenviable position of having the highest suicide rates on these islands, modern, fit-for-purpose facilities are essential to prevention and care. <BR /> <BR />Like other Members, I urge the Minister to provide clarity and, perhaps, hope. Let us move beyond uncertainty and commit to delivering the modern mental health service that people in the Northern Trust area need and deserve.”
“They deserve facilities that reflect the important role that the environment has to play in mental health care. The mental health strategy promises parity of esteem, early intervention and better outcomes, yet, without proper infrastructure, those ambitions will remain unrealised. Despite a slight increase in per capita spend on mental health in the past five years, the spend in the North remains the lowest across these islands; a level of underinvestment that undermines the very parity that the strategy proclaims.”
“The case for a new facility to replace Holywell is clear to all those who have seen the existing conditions and has been well made. What is less clear, however, is when the new complex will happen. It was anticipated that its completion would be in the latter part of 2028, but that date has moved to 2029. Now, with the Department's review of capital projects across all trusts, further uncertainty prevails. Each delay not only undermines confidence but drives up costs, as we know from experience with other capital projects and as has been outlined by a number of Members. Substantial sums of money are being — I use this word deliberately — wasted while the project is delayed. We are throwing good money after bad. <BR /> <BR />In the meantime, patients and staff continue to be let down. They deserve and need so much better.”
“I thank Declan for bringing the debate to the Chamber and affording us the opportunity to discuss the issue. I welcome the opportunity to speak and add my voice to the call on the Minister to confirm the necessary funding to progress the construction of the Birch Hill centre in Antrim town. <BR /> <BR />As Declan outlined, he and I visited Holywell Hospital during the summer. The building dates back to the 19th century. Declan went into a lot of detail about it. What I saw was deeply concerning: serious physical dilapidation throughout the hospital and a layout that simply is not fit for purpose when it comes to the delivery of modern mental health care. Staff and patients are being asked to provide and receive care in an environment that belongs to another era.”
“It is important that the issues identified in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report about the condition of imaging equipment, including MRI and CT scanners, be fully resolved. Reliable, modern imaging systems are a critical component of any effective diagnostic pathway. <BR /> <BR />Where improvements in reducing waiting times are being made, however, they should be acknowledged. Progress is being made as a result of the rapid diagnostic centre and the mega-clinics. I welcome the additional £10 million that has been allocated to mega-clinics and the commitment to invest in red-flag and time-critical services, in capacity building and in clearing the backlog. There is still a long way to go, however, and patients cannot continue to be failed.”
“We also need to see the publication of the cancer research strategy. In his response, the Minister will hopefully advise us on where that is at. We need a dynamic, responsive cancer research strategy. It is essential if we are to reverse the trends that we are confronted with today.”
“Any delay in diagnosis or treatment has the potential to impact on physical and mental health. We are acutely aware of the importance of catching and treating cancer earlier in order to improve outcomes. Awareness-raising campaigns that encourage us all to be alert to early indications of certain types of cancer have been effective, and opportunities for screening people without symptoms continue to grow. There is no doubt that they have helped to save lives, so it is important that they are followed up with timely intervention. <BR /> <BR />We are now into the third year of a 10-year cancer strategy. Progress is happening, but it is nowhere near fast enough. We need to see the Minister building on the recommendations in that strategy, which has a key role in improving diagnostics, treatment options and, ultimately, patient outcomes.”
“We have already seen the success of cross-border radiotherapy provision in the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital, where patients from Donegal have been receiving timely treatment close to home. Access to life-saving healthcare should not be determined by the boundaries of the system; patients should be able to access their closest facility. <BR /> <BR />I commend Cancer Research and all the other cancer organisations for their ongoing efforts to highlight the impact of delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. As I said, it is important to remember, in this debate and in all debates, that the figures that we are discussing are not just statistics but equate to real people whose lives are placed at greater risk because our system is failing to treat cancer with the urgency that it demands.”
“Building on that consortium, the All-Island Cancer Research Institute has brought together 10 universities on the island of Ireland to work together to develop a framework for cancer research and share expertise across the island. <BR /> <BR />Given our small population, the case for working collaboratively on an all-Ireland basis is clear. Many clinical trials require large numbers of eligible patients, so that is particularly important for people with rare cancers. Joint infrastructure reduces duplication, cuts costs and allows for the more effective use of resources. Shared training opportunities and access to specialist expertise could strengthen capacity across the system.”
“Doing so can expand access to clinical trials, strengthen diagnostic capacity, enhance research quality and innovation and create more integrated treatment pathways, all of which can contribute directly to improved patient outcomes and survival rates. <BR /> <BR />The Good Friday Agreement recognised that cancer is a shared challenge. The memorandum of understanding on cancer research and cancer care between the North, the South and the US National Cancer Institute, which was agreed a year after the signing of the agreement, has led not only to greater and more impactful collaboration on the quantity and quality of research outputs but to over 40,000 patients being involved in cancer clinical trials, potentially saving thousands of lives.”
“The Minister may not be able to provide answers this evening, but, further to those questions, I ask whether the size of the backlog in each trust for each speciality could be published, as well as the average and longest waiting time. I also want to ask whether a region- and trust-specific demand/capacity analysis has been done in order to understand the extent of the problem. <BR /> <BR />With regard to the amendment, we feel that, while tackling capacity and reforming elective care are essential to addressing the waiting times crisis, we must also fully harness the potential for cross-border cancer care collaboration.”
“The delays that those people face, either for diagnosis or treatment, impact directly on their outcomes, their quality of life and, indeed, their chances of survival. Whilst the information that we have available paints a dire picture, what we do not know might make it worse. For example, we do not know how much longer than 62 days patients ended up waiting for treatment. Additionally, the 62-day target measures red-flag referrals, but not all patients are diagnosed via that route. Some come through A&E; some come through screening; and others come through secondary care appointments. How long are they waiting for treatment, and why are they not counted? <BR /> <BR />Additional data is required, and further questions need to be asked. I completely concur with the questions that Diane has asked.”
“While performance on the 31-days-to-treatment target appears better, I am mindful that that is 31 days not from diagnosis but from the decision to treat. More imaging, biopsies etc may need to be completed before a decision to treat is made, and it is important to understand whether there are additional delays at that point. In the quarter ending June 2025, 1,947 patients were seen by a breast cancer specialist following an urgent referral for suspected breast cancer in the Belfast, Northern and South Eastern Trusts. Of those, only 6·6 patients were seen within 14 days of their urgent referral for breast cancer. That is a truly shocking figure. <BR /> <BR />As I have said in similar debates, the statistics are shocking, but they account for real people: our friends and family members.”
“I thank the Members opposite for tabling the motion. We had a similar discussion on cancer waiting times in May, but this is such an important issue that it is right that we keep a focus on it until such times as the shocking figures improve and cancer patients in the North get better outcomes. <BR /> <BR />The statistics and impacts for cancer patients in the North are truly shocking and are well outside clinically safe standards. I do not want to use all of my 10 minutes reeling off statistics, but some are worth highlighting. In the quarter from April to June 2025, 67% of patients waited longer than the desired 62 days to start treatment for cancer following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer. That is two out of every three patients waiting longer than they should.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“I appreciate that. I will forward the information to the Minister. In a similar vein, the EA has resisted parents' request for the bus, on its same route home, to stop at childminders' premises. The EA insists on the bus stopping at parental homes, despite the fact that parents are working and homes are empty. What is the defined policy in that scenario?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Minister, what engagement has your Department had with the Commissioner for Older People on changes to the early payment discount and maximum capital?”
“I agree that the Minister's announcement was not controversial, thank her for her clarification of international law and agree that public funds from the North should not be used to support genocide in, in this instance, Gaza. The Minister mentioned an ethical investment framework. Will she update us on the development of that framework?”
“Yes. Some healthcare workers are disappointed that they have not been offered the COVID vaccine, as their counterparts in the South have, which could impact on days off due to sickness. Minister, will you address those three issues, which will help to improve morale in our health workforce?”
“Minister, the success of any healthcare plan, particularly one such as this on winter preparedness, depends a lot on the workers in our healthcare system. As you know, morale in some sectors is low. Nurses and other healthcare staff are waiting for a pay uplift. The living wage that was promised in January to domiciliary care workers has yet to be realised, which impacts on the system flow that you mentioned.”
“I welcome the Minister's response and the fact that her priority is to see no interruption to services. Will she give her assessment of the impact of Go Succeed to date?”
“I completely concur that what has happened is inhumane. Further to the First Minister's touching on a glimmer of hope that needs to be built on, does she agree that the impetus for a lasting peace must be grasped?”
“Therefore, I have concerns that the Committee will get a number of Bills to scrutinise late in the mandate and that pressure will be put on the Committee to ensure that those Bills pass the necessary stages before the end of the mandate. I assure the Assembly and the Minister that the Committee will take its statutory duty very seriously, and we will apply the level of scrutiny that is necessary to each of those Bills. I, therefore, encourage the Minister to introduce those three Bills at the earliest opportunity, and to engage with the Committee to allow pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bills.”
“In addition to the adult protection Bill, the safe and effective staffing Bill and the HSC control of data processing Bill, the Committee has been advised that there are to be three Bills introduced: the duty of candour Bill; the alcohol minimum unit pricing Bill; and the pharmacy technician Bill. Indeed, the duty of candour issue was subject to a written ministerial statement just a couple of weeks ago. The Committee has been advised by officials, in the past couple of weeks, that proposals for a duty of candour Bill will be introduced in the coming months, although it is not on the programme for introduction.”
“The most important part of our health system is our dedicated and professional workforce, and we need to provide the support and structures to ensure the health, well-being and safety of all health and social care staff and patients. The Committee looks forward to engaging with the Department, stakeholders and staff in relation to that Bill. I encourage the Minister to introduce the Bill at the earliest possible stage in this session. <BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to mention, as others have done, other Bills that the Committee has been advised will be introduced before the end of the mandate.”
“of the Health Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Health Committee on the Executive Committee's legislative programme for 2025-26. The Health Committee welcomes the publication of the programme, and particularly the two Bills outlined under the Department of Health: the safe and effective staffing Bill, which is a Bill that will help ensure the provision of high-quality care, workforce planning and staff governance; and the Health and Social Care control of data processing Bill, which is a Bill to make a statutory provision to protect the privacy of confidential patient information. The Committee particularly welcomes the forthcoming introduction of the safe and effective staffing Bill, which has been a long time in the making.”
“I welcome the publication of the Executive's legislative programme. I thank the deputy First Minister for bringing it to the Chamber today. As the Cathaoirleach”
“In the North and, indeed, across the island, it is clear that we have a way to go to ensure that women's health issues are addressed and that women get the services that they desire. If the issue affected men, I suspect that the specialist unit would already have been built. That is a serious indictment of our health service. <BR /> <BR />I hope that progress on the mother-and-baby unit can be made in order to deliver that vital service, ensuring that women across the island of Ireland get the healthcare that they need and deserve.”
“Similar things have happened in Wales and in England, so, if the Minister thinks that that cannot happen, I really want to hear from him exactly why he believes that to be the case. <BR /> <BR />I commend Action on Postpartum Psychosis and other advocacy groups for the vital support and advocacy that they provide to women and families affected by the condition and highlight their call for tailored peer support to be embedded in care pathways. As other Members have said, we also need comprehensive data. It is essential that we capture data on the numbers affected and on treatments. As the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has said, the data gap needs to be addressed. <BR /> <BR />This is the second debate in just over a week on a serious illness that affects only women. As a man, I am embarrassed by that.”
“It is clear that the current system does not meet the needs of mothers in crisis. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin calls for the mother-and-baby unit to be delivered without further delay. We must ensure that mothers are not separated from their newborn babies while receiving mental health support. We need clear answers from the Minister today on the time frame for the unit's delivery. If, as previously stated, it remains a longer-term strategic objective, we must look at interim measures, such as having a dedicated ward with specialist staff, to ensure that mothers in crisis can access appropriate care now. As other Members have said, an empty ward could be repurposed as a mother-and-baby unit. Such a unit would keep mums and babies together in perhaps less than ideal conditions, but at least they would be together.”
“<BR /> <BR />Postpartum psychosis is a mental health crisis that typically cannot be managed at home, especially when the mother is caring for a newborn baby. A dedicated mother-and baby-unit, with specially trained staff and integrated services, is crucial to ensuring that women receive the medical intervention and compassionate support that they need without being separated from their baby. <BR /> <BR />The recent BBC 'Spotlight' programme, 'Mums in Crisis', made the case for urgent action very effectively. I commend the courageous women and families who have spoken out about their experiences. Their voices have rightly brought the issue into the public eye and highlighted the devastating impact of inadequate support.”
“Each year, 1,000 women develop a severe postnatal illness. It is estimated that around 35 women across the North experience postpartum psychosis: a severe, frightening and potentially life-threatening mental health emergency that devastates those women and their families. With the right treatment and support, women can fully recover, but getting that right treatment and intervention at the right time in the right environment is critical. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge the ongoing work of the perinatal mental health care pathway. Its roll-out across trusts is a welcome development and a testament to the commitment of those who work in perinatal mental health. However, the second phase of that model — the establishment of a dedicated mother-and-baby unit — remains an outstanding commitment.”
“I echo the Minister's comment that it must be a priority that our healthcare workers get their pay. Further to the issue of nurses and doctors, Minister, in January, you stated that you would ensure that social care workers received a real living wage, and I think that the deadline for that was September. When will social care workers, who have had to wait for a long time to see that commitment, see their pay?”
“Again, I congratulate all of those who have been representing this nation at World Tour and world professional cycle races across Europe this season.”
“I am old enough to remember the golden generation of Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche, and that is where we are at once again. I not only put on record the achievements of all those Irish cyclists, which they have earned as a result of dedication and hard work — they are doing this nation proud — but acknowledge that those achievements provide a road map to allow others to dream of following suit by representing their nation and to aspire to emulate their heroes at that level one day.”
“As a cycling fan, I am well aware of Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel — two of the greatest athletes, not just cyclists, of this generation — who came first and second respectively, so, for Ben Healy to come third is an exceptional achievement. <BR /> <BR />All of that has come after a wonderful season for professional Irish cyclists. Seven male and three female riders have excelled at world tour level, representing Ireland at races such as the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, the Tour de France Femmes and the Vuelta a España, as well as the many one-day cycling classics across Italy, France and Belgium. I pay special tribute to Mia Griffin, Fiona Mangan and Lara Gillespie, who, this year, became the first three Irish cyclists to take part in the Tour de France Femmes. <BR /> <BR />Irish cycling is in a great place.”
“Last week, Cycling Ireland sent a team of 20 junior and under-23 riders to France for the European Road Cycling Championships. They all represented themselves and this nation exceptionally well. I put on record special congratulations to Conor Murphy, who won silver in the junior time-trial event; David Gaffney, who won bronze in the junior road-race event; and Edendork's Adam Rafferty, who won bronze in the under-23 time trial. All those results were achieved against the best cyclists in Europe. <BR /> <BR />The European Championships came a week after the Road World Championships in Rwanda, where the Irish team helped Ben Healy to win bronze — our first medal in cycling at that level since 1989.”