McGimpsey pays tribute to Healthcare staff representative groups

To mark the 60th Anniversary of the NHS, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey hosted a reception for staff representative groups in Parliament Buildings

Representatives from all the main healthcare unions were in attendance.

Reflecting on 60 years of the Health Service, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “When Aneurin Bevan’s vision for a free health service for all was introduced in Northern Ireland by the then Minister of Health and Local Government, William Grant in 1948, no one could have envisaged just how far the service would advance.

“Over the past 60 years we have had wonderful developments in technology, immunisation and treatments in our health service. But the one constant element of any caring service is its staff and without them we simply would not have a service, let alone a modern day service that we can all be proud of.

]“Health and Social Care employers and staff are firmly committed to the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of the population. Partnership working has become an integral part of delivering a modern day health and social care service and is essential for the successful implementation of change.

“We are fortunate to have a proactive, collaborative approach involving my Department, Health and Social Care employers and recognised staff organisations. This fosters good employee relations and is essential to improving the working environment where staff are involved and feel valued.”

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