Speaking after taking up his new role as the Minister for Health, he said that the health and social care sector in Northern Ireland was entering a new era which would transform services for patients.
The Minister said: "There is no doubt that many perceive the health service to be the most difficult job in the new devolved administration and I know that there will be many challenges ahead. I also, however believe that the people of Northern Ireland are very conscious of and grateful for the huge number of lives that are saved and transformed every day by our dedicated and skilled staff.
“I believe that health and social care services are getting better. People now have their operations within a few months – not years. We are changing the way services are being delivered. The focus is now on prevention so that people do not end up in hospital, instead they can access all the health services they need in their local community.
“These services are being delivered through more streamlined arrangements. There are now only five trusts which will work together by establishing networks through which they can readily share knowledge and expertise."
Addressing the issue of health inequalities the new Minister said:
“It is not acceptable that the level of health enjoyed by our people can be determined by where they live. People are our greatest asset and we must ensure they all receive the health care they need.
"I will ensure that the new Trusts deliver the highest quality services to patients, so that people in Northern Ireland, wherever they live, will have access to the best treatment available."
Outlining his key priorities for health and social care, the Minister said there would be no let up in the drive to reduce hospital waiting times.
He said: "I must acknowledge the huge efforts of staff in Trusts, Boards and the Department in reducing the length of time people have to wait for appointments, to be assessed in A&E and for surgery. Waiting lists, however, are still too long and I shall be asking staff to redouble their efforts to reduce waiting times further, in line with the targets set for March 2008.
Focusing on the importance of social care, the Minister said:
“I am committed to reforming and improving services for people who are among the most vulnerable in society.
“Improving services for families and children will be one of my top priorities. I also want to pay tribute to the many carers, who are the unsung heroes of our system and who are often not mentioned but without whom much good work would not be done.”
The Minister vowed to ensure that mental health and learning disability services will receive even greater focus in the coming years. He said:
"Learning disability and mental health services have suffered from under-investment which has meant that patients have not had access to the best possible treatment.
"Suicide prevention will also be a key priority and we must continue to look for new and innovative ways of reaching out to those people who desperately need help.”
As Minister with responsibility for Public Safety in Northern Ireland he said: “I am also mindful of my responsibility in this area and want to pay tribute to the excellent work of Ambulance and Fire Service.
"As the new health Minister I vow to make health and social care in Northern Ireland a world class service. One which is fair and accessible to everyone, run by highly skilled and motivated staff delivering the highest quality services to all our patients."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
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