McGrath expresses concern about the future funding of the health service
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has expressed concern about the future funding of the health service.
He questioned Health Minister Mike Nesbitt in the Assembly on Monday about the financial position with a £200m overspend projected for this year.
The Minister accepted the Department faces a difficult financial picture.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “It was essential that the funding was secured to give health staff the pay award they were promised and it is deeply regrettable that social care staff have been excluded.
“However, we cannot ignore the £200m overspend on this year’s Departmental budget and the impact that will have next year.
“I believe our health service faces a perilous financial picture.
“There will be pay awards that need to be found next year along with all the other pressures and services that require funding.
“I asked the Minister in the Assembly today about the impact the overspend would have, but his response and lack of clarity did not inspire confidence.
“We are facing a situation where we do not know how our health service will be funded next year.
“This is yet another example of the Executive’s failure to lead, to chart a clear course and to properly fund public services.
“We are no closer to the reform needed to address the challenges facing our health service and we do not even know if we will have the funding next year to maintain the status quo.”
