Mr Frew said,
"The Democratic Unionist Party supports the introduction of an evidence based statutory duty of candour within Northern Ireland’s healthcare system which can hold people to account for failings where there was a deliberate withholding of information which could have prevented harm.
This measure, rooted in transparency and accountability, is crucial for restoring trust in our health services following a series of devastating failures, including the tragic hyponatraemia-related deaths and the recent revelations from the Infected Blood Inquiry. While healthcare professionals work under immense pressure, it is vital that transparency prevails, not as a punishment for mistakes but as a safeguard against deliberate misinformation or obfuscation, particularly when it leads to harm.
The DUP calls upon the Health Minister to prioritize this essential reform without delay, honouring Justice O'Hara’s 2018 recommendations and the recent Infected Blood Inquiry findings.
By implementing this statutory duty, we aim to prevent further avoidable tragedies, uphold patient safety, and build a healthcare system grounded in honesty and integrity. The health and future of Northern Ireland’s citizens demand no less."