The Minister was speaking at the annual UNISON Health conference in Harrogate where he received a standing ovation for his speech which supported the theme of ‘Organising to Defend the NHS’.
Michael McGimpsey said: “Everyone is concerned about the impact of today’s budget and the bleak prospect of further demanding efficiency savings. For health and social care services, the reality is that in Northern Ireland we are underfunded compared to England .
“Health and social care in Northern Ireland cannot deliver further savings without impacting on patient care and standards. This must not be allowed to happen. The pace of the efficiency drive is too quick and is causing too much pain.
“I find this totally unacceptable. People in Northern Ireland deserve better and I will continue to press for increased resources to meet an ever-increasing need and to deliver improved access and quality.”
The Minister said that he accepted that health services could be more efficient and that there were savings to be made but this needed to be in the context of proper investment.
He continued: “I am already taking steps to deliver huge efficiency savings of £700million over the next three years. However, this is in the context of ever increasing demands on our services.
“The steps we are taking to deliver on the current efficiency targets have already generated huge public debate and stands in stark contrast to the eerie silence on proposals by other government departments. This reflects how valued and essential health and social care services are to the public.”
Turning to the staff who deliver health services and the Trade Unions who support them, Mr McGimpsey said: “Health and Social care is delivered by people and it is you who deliver quality health and social care. You are the health service’s greatest asset.
“As Health Minister I am committed to working with you to see that we continue to meet the needs of the population. I cannot do my job without your help and commitment to the NHS. Together we can achieve so much.”
Notes to Editors:
- Minister was giving the keynote speech at the annual Unison Health Conference in Harrogate.
- For media enquiries including a copy of the speech and photographs from the conference, please contact the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
