UUP Says Politicians Should Focus On Real Health Issues

MLA’s Playing Politics with Winter Health Pressures is ‘Despicable‘ ‘says Chambers

Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers in a no holds barred response to public representatives commenting on hospital pressures, has urged them “not to play political games and instead to focus on the serious issues at hand”.   

The North Down MLA said: “This is not the time for political show-boating, and yet unfortunately over recent days there have been a number of MLAs commenting on an issue that they evidently don’t entirely understand. 

“The problems currently being experienced in our health service are currently also being mirrored in every other part of the UK. 

“Indeed, only earlier this week the Welsh Ambulance Service took the major step of declaring a critical incident. 

“At a time when everyone should be doing everything they can to get through this period, it is regrettable that Parties such as the DUP and Alliance Party are instead attempting to score political points. 

“In recent days the Health Minister has been visiting Emergency Departments, engaging with staff and holding a series of meetings with a variety of stakeholders to further explore every possible step to help lessen the intense pressures at present.

“That stands in total contrast to the often poorly judged tone of statements being circulated by other MLAs.  

“This winter was always going to be incredibly difficult, and the onset of such high rates of flu have further exacerbated the challenge.  

“The fundamental answer involves sustained long term investment in strengthening capacity to deal with growing demand for care. 

“Unfortunately, this year’s wholly inadequate health budget provided no opportunity for such investment. It is noteworthy that the MLAs who are currently being most vocal and critical about the challenges in our hospitals are also those who most enthusiastically voted for that budget.

“I would echo the call by senior clinicians to those eligible for the flu jab who have not availed of it to date, to consider taking up the offer of this vital protection as a matter of urgency.”