Menu
24/01/2019
SDLP: Stormont Stalemate Is 'Wilful Neglect' Of Children's Health
The SDLP's Health Spokesperson has deemed the continuing political stalemate in Northern Ireland as a "wilful neglect of children's health".
Mark Durkan MLA's comments follow a report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Ireland which revealed that no progress on related policies has put the health and wellbeing of youngsters across the region at risk.
The power-sharing institutions at Stormont have been suspended since January 2017, following a breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein.
"Living within a political vacuum, it is unsurprising that there has been no progress insofar as children's health policy is concerned," the Foyle MLA said.
"It is unconscionable that politics here has allowed for a society where children's mental health is in decline and over a quarter suffer from obesity and other health related issues.
"Two years without an Executive marks two years of wilful neglect and vital recommendations and updated models for children's healthcare have not been implemented. Just last year hundreds of babies in the North West did not receive their early year assessments due do a shortage of health visitors- it is clear that children here are being disadvantaged from birth as a result of systemic failures.
"Our children are being let down in education, future employment opportunities and now the most basic of necessities; reliable healthcare. These are issues we cannot afford to be left behind on."
Mr Durkan continued that healthcare cannot be allowed to become collateral damage amid the "playground politics of the DUP and Sinn Fein".
"Evidently their political self-interests override the best interests of a public they supposedly represent.
"We cannot be lulled into inaction on these matters. The prosperous future of our society is reliant on the good health of our children- invest in them and we invest in a brighter Northern Ireland. Now is the time to put the needs of the people ahead of politics, before the deterioration of our institutions reaches the point of no return."
(JG/CM)
Mark Durkan MLA's comments follow a report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Ireland which revealed that no progress on related policies has put the health and wellbeing of youngsters across the region at risk.
The power-sharing institutions at Stormont have been suspended since January 2017, following a breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein.
"Living within a political vacuum, it is unsurprising that there has been no progress insofar as children's health policy is concerned," the Foyle MLA said.
"It is unconscionable that politics here has allowed for a society where children's mental health is in decline and over a quarter suffer from obesity and other health related issues.
"Two years without an Executive marks two years of wilful neglect and vital recommendations and updated models for children's healthcare have not been implemented. Just last year hundreds of babies in the North West did not receive their early year assessments due do a shortage of health visitors- it is clear that children here are being disadvantaged from birth as a result of systemic failures.
"Our children are being let down in education, future employment opportunities and now the most basic of necessities; reliable healthcare. These are issues we cannot afford to be left behind on."
Mr Durkan continued that healthcare cannot be allowed to become collateral damage amid the "playground politics of the DUP and Sinn Fein".
"Evidently their political self-interests override the best interests of a public they supposedly represent.
"We cannot be lulled into inaction on these matters. The prosperous future of our society is reliant on the good health of our children- invest in them and we invest in a brighter Northern Ireland. Now is the time to put the needs of the people ahead of politics, before the deterioration of our institutions reaches the point of no return."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 April 2024
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
11 March 2022
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
23 April 2024
Dromore School Children Learn Essential Road Safety Skills
The PSNI's Neighbourhood Policing Team in Dromore have participated in a unique project to teach primary school children essential road safety and bicycles maintenance skills.
Dromore School Children Learn Essential Road Safety Skills
The PSNI's Neighbourhood Policing Team in Dromore have participated in a unique project to teach primary school children essential road safety and bicycles maintenance skills.
16 December 2019
Medical Leaders Demand End To Political Deadlock
Senior health leaders in Northern Ireland have demanded that politicians restore local government at Stormont. The British Medical Association joined with seven royal medical colleges representing doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland to issue an unusual joint statement urging the restoration of power sharing.
Medical Leaders Demand End To Political Deadlock
Senior health leaders in Northern Ireland have demanded that politicians restore local government at Stormont. The British Medical Association joined with seven royal medical colleges representing doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland to issue an unusual joint statement urging the restoration of power sharing.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
