McGrath says Executive squabbling won’t solve health crisis
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has called for an end to Executive squabbling over the crisis within the health service.
He was speaking after a statement from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt around the equality impact assessment on the Executive’s draft budget.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “Today’s statement from the Health Minister once again outlines the difficult financial situation facing his Department.
“We are all well aware of the crisis within our health service but I struggle to see what’s gained by further Executive squabbling over funding.
“The statement from the Minister today read more like a list of grievances and made scant mention of the equality impact assessment of the budget. It said nothing we don’t already know.
“The Minister has been vocal about the criticism levelled at him by MLAs from the other Executive parties and it is unedifying to see him now engaging in the same tactics.
“The SDLP has been clear that the problems within our health service will only be solved around the Executive table and judging by the last few weeks Executive parties are spending more time fighting with each other than addressing these issues.
“There is real concern right across the North at the worsening situation within our health service, people are generally fearful that care won’t be there when they need it.
“The public want solutions not spats, fit for purpose services rather than more statements and it’s time for the Executive to stop the in-fighting and start working together to save our health service.” said Colin McGrath.
