Neil Guckian, chief executive of the Western Trust, revealed that poorer patients are missing vital surgeries due to the inability to take time off work. Presenting to the Stormont health committee, he emphasized the connection between social deprivation and surgery attendance, and the need for wraparound support. He noted that many patients wait so long for procedures that their conditions worsen, complicating necessary treatments. Guckian also expressed concerns over staffing issues linked to ongoing pay disputes in Northern Ireland’s health service.