Politicians and a leading cancer charity have united in their opposition to proposed cutbacks in nursing care in Northern Ireland.

"The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) would be greatly concerned if the number of cancer nurses were to be cut back," said a statement from the UCF last weekend.

"There is no doubt that this would have a direct impact on the care of cancer patients as the remaining nursing staff would be under additional pressure.

"This is of particular concern as the incidence of cancer continues to rise in Northern Ireland - if these nursing posts were cut, it is inevitable that the strain on the health service would increase dramatically," the spokeswoman said, noting that one in three people in NI will develop cancer during their lifetime and around 9,000 are newly diagnosed every year.

"Approximately 55,000 people are currently living with a diagnosis of cancer," concluded the statement.

Meanwhile the Deputy Chair of the Assembly Health Committee Michele O'Neill has warned the loss of 700 nursing staff will devastate frontline heath care.

Ms O'Neill said: "Sinn Féin will fight any attempt to cut these vital jobs.

"Sinn Féin recognise that there are financial pressures on all Departments including Health but the way forward is not to cut frontline services such as nursing jobs, home help services and the ambulance service.

"These are jobs that are essential to the function of a full and effective health service without which patient care will inevitably suffer.

"I think if you talk to any nurse they will very clearly tell you that both themselves and their colleagues are stretched.

"To lose 700 nurses is wholly unacceptable," she said, blaming Michael McGimpsey as Minister for Health.

"He must be more creative and innovative in making efficiency savings. A clear example of this would be to re-engage with pharmacists on the Minor Ailments scheme which could save £8 million.

"This is one way to save money and jobs."

The Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy has laid the blame for the cuts right at the top and said that it is the fault of NI First Minister Peter Robinson's budget.

He said the nursing jobs under threat are part of 2,500 jobs that are set to be axed as Michael McGimpsey adheres to his target of a 3% efficiency saving.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "The blame for this proposed reduction in the number of nurses lies solely with Peter Robinson and his budget.

"Last year, the DUP were shouting from the roof tops how great their budget was and how good it would be for Northern Ireland. But the dire consequences of this budget, which Alliance opposed, are now apparent.

"I had a motion in the Assembly about the effect that these budget cuts would have on our ambulance service - and now 700 nursing jobs are set to be axed.

"When will Peter Robinson and the DUP admit that their budget is having a massively negative impact on Northern Ireland?" he questioned.

See: 2,500 Health Service Job Cuts Expected

(BMcC)