10/10/2019
Health Service Enters Most Challenging Period
Challenges facing health and social care services in Northern Ireland have reached a peak, a health chief has warned.
"Something has to give," was the message of Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, as he set out the increasing demands and ongoing budgetary constraints.
Growing waiting lists, a lack of confidence among the public and simmering frustration amongst the workforce are among the results of the stretched system, Mr Pengelly told while speaking at a Healthcare Financial Management Association event at the Dunadry Hotel.
"We are certainly in a defining period for health and social care in N Ireland. Budgets remain under intense pressure. At the same time, demand for care continues to grow.
"We simply don't have the money to do everything we are being asked to do."
Mr Pengelly called for change in the organisation of services to transform the agenda for both patients and staff.
He continued: "Change is never easy in health but it is essential. I have no doubt there will be many difficult decisions ahead both on reforming services and on budgetary choices.
"We can't duck those decisions. If we did, then we really will be heading over the cliff edge into a full-blown crisis."
The comments come as the Royal College of Nursing ballots members on a potential strike.
(JG/CM)
"Something has to give," was the message of Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, as he set out the increasing demands and ongoing budgetary constraints.
Growing waiting lists, a lack of confidence among the public and simmering frustration amongst the workforce are among the results of the stretched system, Mr Pengelly told while speaking at a Healthcare Financial Management Association event at the Dunadry Hotel.
"We are certainly in a defining period for health and social care in N Ireland. Budgets remain under intense pressure. At the same time, demand for care continues to grow.
"We simply don't have the money to do everything we are being asked to do."
Mr Pengelly called for change in the organisation of services to transform the agenda for both patients and staff.
He continued: "Change is never easy in health but it is essential. I have no doubt there will be many difficult decisions ahead both on reforming services and on budgetary choices.
"We can't duck those decisions. If we did, then we really will be heading over the cliff edge into a full-blown crisis."
The comments come as the Royal College of Nursing ballots members on a potential strike.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 July 2022
DUP Accused Of Blocking Health Service Reform
The DUP's refusal to return to the Assembly and Executive is blocking health service reform, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said long-overdue reform was being delayed because of the DUP’s boycott of the institutions and that patients would suffer as a result.
DUP Accused Of Blocking Health Service Reform
The DUP's refusal to return to the Assembly and Executive is blocking health service reform, SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said. Mr McGrath said long-overdue reform was being delayed because of the DUP’s boycott of the institutions and that patients would suffer as a result.
11 April 2013
£40m Health Care Centres Announced For NI
Two new £40m health care centres for Northern Ireland have been given the go-ahead. The new Lisburn and Newry facilities will accommodate GPs as well as a number of community services provided by the Trusts.
£40m Health Care Centres Announced For NI
Two new £40m health care centres for Northern Ireland have been given the go-ahead. The new Lisburn and Newry facilities will accommodate GPs as well as a number of community services provided by the Trusts.
24 November 2010
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
14 September 2012
Cancer Patients Missing Out On NI Treatment Targets
Cancer patients across Northern Ireland are starting treatment late as health trusts fail on basic performance standards, it has emerged. Last April, the health minister said 95% of people who were urgently referred with suspected cancer should begin treatment within 62 days.
Cancer Patients Missing Out On NI Treatment Targets
Cancer patients across Northern Ireland are starting treatment late as health trusts fail on basic performance standards, it has emerged. Last April, the health minister said 95% of people who were urgently referred with suspected cancer should begin treatment within 62 days.
28 May 2019
Fire Service Support Centre Opened
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has today opened its new Service Support Centre worth £8.2 million at the Boucher Road in Belfast. The facility will be a hub for maintenance, service and repairs of fire appliances and operational equipment.
Fire Service Support Centre Opened
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has today opened its new Service Support Centre worth £8.2 million at the Boucher Road in Belfast. The facility will be a hub for maintenance, service and repairs of fire appliances and operational equipment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.