Cross-border cooperation key to saving health service says Colin McGrath MLA
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said that increased cross-border cooperation is key to improving health outcomes across the island.
Mr McGrath addressed the SDLP Conference on the issue on Saturday 5th October 2024.
He urged Health Ministers on both sides of the border to identify how they can work together to reduce waiting lists, harmonise staff pay and deliver specialist services on an all-island basis.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “Everyone is well aware of the challenges that have afflicted our health service over the past few years.
“Ignored warnings, a failure to implement reform, and a waste of resources have left services on the brink of collapse.
Waiting lists are getting longer, patient outcomes are getting worse and staff are at the point of burnout.
“We have a duty to explore every opportunity before us to solve these problems.
“I firmly believe that greater cross-border cooperation could bring significant benefits to the health system on both sides of the border.
“We have seen in the success of the North West Cancer Centre and in the past with the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive the positive impact that working together can have for patients, ease pressure on services and make the best use of our resources.
“There is huge scope within this area, particularly when it comes to things such as perinatal and paediatric post-mortem services which are not available in the North and could be delivered much more compassionately on an all-island basis.
“These are just a few small ideas that could make a big difference and I call on both Health Ministers to work together to identify ways that we can support each other and deliver better integrated healthcare for everyone on this island.”
