23/01/2025
Concern Raised Over Gender Imbalance In Surgery Access
The Alliance Party has expressed concern over a significant gender imbalance in the use of innovative robotic surgery within the Northern Ireland health service.
Figures released by the Department of Health revealed that of the 599 robotic-assisted surgeries performed in NI since 2019, 513 were carried out on males, with the majority being urology procedures.
"While I welcome the use of technological innovation in our health service," Alliance health spokesperson Nuala McAllister said, "these figures raise concerns about potential inequalities in access to this advanced treatment."
"The stark gender disparity in the use of robotic surgery is concerning," she continued. "While I don't believe decisions regarding the use of this robot were made with this intention, the statistics clearly demonstrate an unfortunate consequence."
Ms McAllister emphasised the importance of ensuring equitable access to innovative healthcare for all patients.
The MLA continued: "I have met with gynaecological professionals who have confirmed robotic-assisted surgery can be used for gynae procedures, to treat endometriosis or perform hysterectomies. The Department of Health should explore expanding the provision of robotic-assisted surgeries to other specialties.
"This can be an example of a radical and progressive decision that can play a role in creating the modern, efficient health service we deserve."
Figures released by the Department of Health revealed that of the 599 robotic-assisted surgeries performed in NI since 2019, 513 were carried out on males, with the majority being urology procedures.
"While I welcome the use of technological innovation in our health service," Alliance health spokesperson Nuala McAllister said, "these figures raise concerns about potential inequalities in access to this advanced treatment."
"The stark gender disparity in the use of robotic surgery is concerning," she continued. "While I don't believe decisions regarding the use of this robot were made with this intention, the statistics clearly demonstrate an unfortunate consequence."
Ms McAllister emphasised the importance of ensuring equitable access to innovative healthcare for all patients.
The MLA continued: "I have met with gynaecological professionals who have confirmed robotic-assisted surgery can be used for gynae procedures, to treat endometriosis or perform hysterectomies. The Department of Health should explore expanding the provision of robotic-assisted surgeries to other specialties.
"This can be an example of a radical and progressive decision that can play a role in creating the modern, efficient health service we deserve."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 January 2006
Emergency surgery facilities to be axed from Lagan Valley
Emergency surgery facilities are to be axed from the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn from next month. The Eastern Health and Social Services Board decided to cut the facilities as part of a plan to develop the hospital as a special centre for elective surgery.
Emergency surgery facilities to be axed from Lagan Valley
Emergency surgery facilities are to be axed from the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn from next month. The Eastern Health and Social Services Board decided to cut the facilities as part of a plan to develop the hospital as a special centre for elective surgery.
07 August 2018
Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill Breaks Her Leg
Sinn Fein's Northern Ireland leader Michelle O'Neill has broken her leg. She is believed to be recovering well following surgery, according to the party. A party spokesperson said: "Michelle O'Neill suffered a leg break in an accident. "She underwent a procedure and is recovering well." No further details have been released.
Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill Breaks Her Leg
Sinn Fein's Northern Ireland leader Michelle O'Neill has broken her leg. She is believed to be recovering well following surgery, according to the party. A party spokesperson said: "Michelle O'Neill suffered a leg break in an accident. "She underwent a procedure and is recovering well." No further details have been released.
31 March 2015
Man Shot In Face Discharged From Hospital
A man who was shot in the face in north Belfast on Sunday night has been discharged from hospital. The victim had to undergo emergency surgery following the attack. Two men forced their way into the man's home in St James Mews, and as he tried to get away, he was shot in the face. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
Man Shot In Face Discharged From Hospital
A man who was shot in the face in north Belfast on Sunday night has been discharged from hospital. The victim had to undergo emergency surgery following the attack. Two men forced their way into the man's home in St James Mews, and as he tried to get away, he was shot in the face. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.
18 April 2003
Man arrested following stabbing outside school
A man has been arrested in connection to a stabbing incident in Co Antrim yesterday. The man, in his late 20's, was arrested after two youths were stabbed outside a primary school in Ballymena yesterday morning. The two youth's, aged 19 and 17, were taken to Antrim Area Hospital for treatment on their injuries.
Man arrested following stabbing outside school
A man has been arrested in connection to a stabbing incident in Co Antrim yesterday. The man, in his late 20's, was arrested after two youths were stabbed outside a primary school in Ballymena yesterday morning. The two youth's, aged 19 and 17, were taken to Antrim Area Hospital for treatment on their injuries.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
