Report recognises successes in health and social care - McGimpsey

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, has welcomed a report on health and social care service in Northern Ireland which has highlighted significant successes.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office report has acknowledged the Department’s achievements in relation to

• Delivering better healthcare;
• Maintaining financial balance;
• Implementation of major reform under the Review of Public Administration.

Michael McGimpsey said: “Today’s report shows that despite the considerable financial pressures and ever-increasing demand from the public, the health and social care service in Northern Ireland is improving all the time.

“Healthcare associated infections such as MRSA and C.difficile have fallen dramatically once again since the period to which this report relates. We are treating more people than ever before, both in hospital and in their local communities.

“However, trying to meet rising levels of demand without the funding to match is a major challenge. It is now even more important that funding for health and social care is protected if we are going to provide the same level of service that the public expect and demand.”

The Minister said his Department will now consider all the report’s findings to ensure that any issues identified were addressed.

The Minister continued: “In particular, we will redouble our efforts to make sure that our limited resources are spent wisely and to the benefit of patients, carers, staff and all those who use the health service.”

Notes to editors:

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