18/08/2004

BMA welcome £12m relocation of funding to health services

The British Medical Association in Northern Ireland has welcomed the Government's decision to reallocate £12 million into health and social services in the province.

NIO Minister Ian Pearson announced yesterday his intention to target hospital waiting lists thanks to the re-allocation of government money.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is to receive £12 million to help address a number of key issues, including £6 million to further address waiting lists and £6 million to allow measures to be put in place at an early stage in the year to boost bed capacity during the winter months.

Commenting on the news, Dr Brian Patterson, Chairman of BMA Northern Ireland, said: "We welcome the recognition that more needs to be done about the waiting list situation in Northern Ireland.

"It is particularly important for the length of time patients have to wait for their first appointment with a hospital consultant to be addressed. GP surgeries will also require some additional support during the winter months and we hope the Government will recognise this."

Mr Pearson explained that the resources available for re-distribution had arisen through changes in expenditure expectations identified by departments.

“The amounts being announced are targeted at those areas of public services which can benefit immediately from additional funding," the Minister said.

(MB)

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