Robin Swann: Minister reveals "deep concerns" about a lack of budget for health service
Robin Swann warned today (Tuesday) that long-needed plans to transform Northern Ireland’s ailing health services are being hampered by a lack of money.
The Health Minister highlighted “deep concerns about escalating budgetary pressures and uncertainties”
And in a written statement to MLAs, he said: “As things stand at present, we have no budget all. Prolonging this state of affairs would be tantamount to sabotaging the rebuilding of our health service.”
But despite the absence of an Executive Mr Swann vowed to “press ahead with the reconstruction and transformation of our health service to the best of my ability”.
The statement referred to a series of initiatives announced in recent weeks, including the reshaping of general surgery services and a design plan for the future shape of NI’s hospital network. Initiatives have also covered waiting lists, stroke care, orthopaedics and workforce.
The Minister stated: “I believe a clear direction of travel has now been established for the vital task of rebuilding and transforming services.
“My sincere hope is that devolved Government will be an enabler and champion of change, rather than an impediment.”
Mr Swann also stated: “We are now into the second quarter of 2022/23 without a budget in place.”
His statement continued: “I have to prepare for the eventuality that funding pressures in health will become increasingly significant as this financial year progresses.”
Meanwhile, the Royal Colleges of Physicians have issued a joint plea, urging action to protect health services in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland currently has the longest hospital waiting lists in the UK and experts have warned that the current structures are not sustainable.
Professor Andrew Elder, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: "We are calling for a multi-year budget because it would bring much-needed certainty to health budget planning.
"Healthcare workers and patients need to know what to expect from health and social care over the coming years, and a multi-year budget agreement will help to do that while giving the health department the tools to address treatment backlogs.
"We would advise that the Bengoa recommendations be taken forward to benefit the people of Northern Ireland.
"But this can only be done with the full support of all political parties in the province."