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Good morning John

This week brought disturbing revelations about the culture within the cardiac surgery unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital. A report has shed light on a deeply dysfunctional workplace, where bullying and a breakdown in professional standards have put staff under pressure and placed patients at risk of potential harm.

That should alarm us all.

The public has every right to expect that those working in our health service are focused solely on delivering the best possible care. When the working environment becomes toxic, it is not just a problem for staff, it can have serious consequences for patients too.

The report into the cardiac surgery unit has not yet been released in full. On Thursday, the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, appeared before the Assembly’s Health Committee. Disappointingly, he would not commit to publishing the report in full. That is simply not good enough. These events took place within a public body, and the individuals involved are paid from the public purse. Patients who may have been affected have a right to know what happened while they were under that unit’s care.

But what is perhaps most troubling is that this may not be an isolated case. Since the initial report came to light, I have been contacted by others working within the Belfast Trust. What they have said makes clear that this culture stretches far beyond one hospital ward. Some even referenced a previous internal report raising similar concerns, which was quietly shelved and never acted upon. The Minister indicated he had no knowledge of such a report. If this is the case, there are serious questions once again about the sharing of important information between officials and the Minister.

This points to a wider problem, not just within the Trust, but across parts of our public sector. There is an urgent need for a change in how we do things. That starts with leadership not deflecting blame. Minister Nesbitt suggested this is a matter for the Trust’s internal processes. But he is the Minister for Health. That means taking ownership, not stepping aside when things get uncomfortable.

The truth is, we have seen too many similar scandals within the Belfast Trust in recent years. What we are witnessing is not just a few isolated incidents. It reflects a deeper failure of management, of oversight, and of culture. Reform is not a distant aspiration, it’s a necessity. The Trust should be placed under special measures now, without further delay and obfuscation from the Department.

Every patient deserves to know they are being cared for in a system that puts their safety first. Every staff member deserves to work in a place where they are treated with respect. And the public deserves honesty and accountability from those in charge.

This is not something that can be swept under the carpet. The full report must be published, and meaningful change must follow.

With best wishes,

Diane Dodds MLA

DUP Health Spokesperson


** Out and about in East Antrim
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Party Leader Gavin Robinson MP visited East Antrim this week, meeting local business owners, community groups, and key stakeholders across the constituency.

The day began in Carrickfergus with a coffee and chat at The Foxy Tail Coffee and Prosecco Company, followed by visits to the historic Dobbins Inn, Super Tutors Academy, and Carrick Connect - a group making a real difference in young lives.

After a quick stop at Forest Fitness, Gavin travelled to Larne to meet representatives from over 30 local organisations.

He finished the day in Monkstown, visiting the Boxing Club to hear about their transformational community work - though after a brief session in the ring, he agreed he’s best sticking to politics!


** Weekly review with Alderman Paul Greenfield
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