Menu
15/11/2022
'Urgent Convention' Needed On Health Service Crisis
The SDLP are seeking an "urgent convention" of political leaders and health service officials to discuss the crisis in emergency care.
The party's Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has written to the Head of the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health proposing the meeting.
Speaking following warnings from leaders in the health service about the consequences of political failure, the South Down MLA has urged parties to get to work.
Colin McGrath MLA said: "The situation facing patients and their care providers in emergency departments right now is bleak. I have seen our health service staff move heaven and earth to provide the best possible care for people but the hard truth is that patients are not receiving the level of service that they should. It is no failing of the doctors, nurses and other staff working themselves to exhaustion, the failure belongs to politicians who prevaricate, delay and refuse to provide the leadership that our health service desperately needs.
"Following a difficult weekend for emergency care in particular, I have written to the Head of the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health to propose that urgent discussions are convened between political leaders, health service leaders and the civil service to address the situation people are facing. We should be under no illusions – the scale of the challenge we’re facing is immense and it will not be solved in the short term but every day we delay is another day people face getting sicker waiting for admission to get the care they need. No one should be prepared to put up with that.
"The only solution is the resumption of devolved government with a full-time Health Minister taking the decisions needed to transform health services. The DUP, who continue to put their own political considerations above the urgent need to fix our health service should explain themselves to the people waiting for admission in communities across the North. It’s time for politicians to get back to work now."
The party's Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has written to the Head of the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health proposing the meeting.
Speaking following warnings from leaders in the health service about the consequences of political failure, the South Down MLA has urged parties to get to work.
Colin McGrath MLA said: "The situation facing patients and their care providers in emergency departments right now is bleak. I have seen our health service staff move heaven and earth to provide the best possible care for people but the hard truth is that patients are not receiving the level of service that they should. It is no failing of the doctors, nurses and other staff working themselves to exhaustion, the failure belongs to politicians who prevaricate, delay and refuse to provide the leadership that our health service desperately needs.
"Following a difficult weekend for emergency care in particular, I have written to the Head of the Civil Service and the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health to propose that urgent discussions are convened between political leaders, health service leaders and the civil service to address the situation people are facing. We should be under no illusions – the scale of the challenge we’re facing is immense and it will not be solved in the short term but every day we delay is another day people face getting sicker waiting for admission to get the care they need. No one should be prepared to put up with that.
"The only solution is the resumption of devolved government with a full-time Health Minister taking the decisions needed to transform health services. The DUP, who continue to put their own political considerations above the urgent need to fix our health service should explain themselves to the people waiting for admission in communities across the North. It’s time for politicians to get back to work now."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 July 2022
DUP Accused Of Blocking Health Service Reform
The DUP's refusal to return to the Assembly and Executive is blocking health service reform, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said long-overdue reform was being delayed because of the DUP’s boycott of the institutions and that patients would suffer as a result.
DUP Accused Of Blocking Health Service Reform
The DUP's refusal to return to the Assembly and Executive is blocking health service reform, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said long-overdue reform was being delayed because of the DUP’s boycott of the institutions and that patients would suffer as a result.
21 January 2009
NI Patients To Be Allowed Access To 'Top-up' Medication
A leading NI cancer charity has welcomed today's announcement by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey that cancer patients here will be allowed to pay for additional drugs without losing their entitlement to free health service care.
NI Patients To Be Allowed Access To 'Top-up' Medication
A leading NI cancer charity has welcomed today's announcement by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey that cancer patients here will be allowed to pay for additional drugs without losing their entitlement to free health service care.
16 December 2019
Medical Leaders Demand End To Political Deadlock
Senior health leaders in Northern Ireland have demanded that politicians restore local government at Stormont. The British Medical Association joined with seven royal medical colleges representing doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland to issue an unusual joint statement urging the restoration of power sharing.
Medical Leaders Demand End To Political Deadlock
Senior health leaders in Northern Ireland have demanded that politicians restore local government at Stormont. The British Medical Association joined with seven royal medical colleges representing doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland to issue an unusual joint statement urging the restoration of power sharing.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
