Ministers discuss swine flu costs

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today met with the Finance Minister to discuss the costs of funding the swine flu pandemic.

Mr McGimpsey outlined the anticipated pressure on the health and social care service from delivering the vaccination programme and ensuring there are enough critical care beds and staff to meet the anticipated high levels of sickness among the population.

The Minister said: “Today’s meeting with Sammy Wilson was very useful. It provided an important opportunity to highlight the real costs of the swine flu pandemic, not just financially but in terms of the impact on the health of the public. This pandemic is one of the most difficult challenges facing the Executive and it is essential that the Executive responds and prepares accordingly to meet this need.

“I fully understand that these are difficult times for the Northern Ireland economy and the Executive. However, the Health and Social Care service (HSC) is already under significant pressure to find £700million of efficiency savings by 2011, coupled with a range of other financial pressures.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight these issues with the Finance Minister and intend to have further discussions with him on these matters.”

Notes to editors:

Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0636 or 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.