Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers has welcomed the appointment of Professor Mark Taylor to a new innovative position to lead on waiting times recovery in Northern Ireland.

Alan Chambers said, "This is a hugely welcome decision by the Minister of Health. Far too many people have been waiting too long for either diagnosis or treatment across Northern Ireland. 

"Last year, yet again, the Ulster Unionist Party was the only political party to proactively prepare to take the reins of leading our health service. We did so because we had a plan to support our patients and support our health workers. 

"A critical element of that was being able to convince Executive colleagues of the need to invest in dedicated services and initiatives. Earlier this year, Mike Nesbitt delivered upon that when he secured Executive support for the Programme for Government commitment, albeit the majority of the £215m was taken from the existing health budget. 

"Mark Taylor's appointment will be critical in delivering the improvements that the Health Minister has said are possible. I have no doubt Professor Taylor's work will be complex and at times incredibly difficult, but he is a well-respected and experienced health leader. I have no doubt that many patients will benefit from this new role being created, and the fact that someone of Mark Taylor's calibre has agreed to fill it."