Menu
22/06/2017
Nurse Training Fund Cut By Almost £1m
Funding to train specialist nurses in Northern Ireland has been cut by almost £1 million by the Department of Health.
SDLP Health spokesperson Mark H Durkan has called on the Department's Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly, to explain why the decision was made.
He said: "I cannot believe that the Department of Health has taken a unilateral decision to cut the nurse training fund by almost 60% with no consultation.
"This is an outrageous overreach in the absence of a functioning Executive and a decision that flies in the face of the patient-centric model that our health service is adopting through the Bengoa process.
"Historical issues around workforce planning within nursing have meant that the nurses we already have are chronically overworked. This decision will make that situation more acute and the negative outworking will be felt by patients. It just shows a stunning lack of foresight.
"All of this underscores the urgent need to re-establish power-sharing."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Health Pat Sheehan MLA said: "The cut to training is counter to the transformation agenda set forth by the Professor Bengoa's Expert Panel report and my Sinn Féin colleague, former Health Minister, Michelle O’Neill.
"Everyone recognises the clear need to increase the capacity of HSC staff to meet ever-growing demands placed on the health service. Cutting resources for specialist training for nurses goes against this.
"I have particular concerns that the commitments made in Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together plan, namely the allocation of a District Nurse and Health Visitors to every GP practice is being abandoned by the Department of Health. This undermines efforts to deliver multi-disciplinary teams in primary care at a time when GPs are under increasing pressure.
"Furthermore it seems that a central pillar of the transformation process prioritised by Minister O’Neill, which is to involve those who deliver and use HSC services in designing transformation, has been ignored with a decision being made without proper engagement from the department."
(CD/LM)
SDLP Health spokesperson Mark H Durkan has called on the Department's Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly, to explain why the decision was made.
He said: "I cannot believe that the Department of Health has taken a unilateral decision to cut the nurse training fund by almost 60% with no consultation.
"This is an outrageous overreach in the absence of a functioning Executive and a decision that flies in the face of the patient-centric model that our health service is adopting through the Bengoa process.
"Historical issues around workforce planning within nursing have meant that the nurses we already have are chronically overworked. This decision will make that situation more acute and the negative outworking will be felt by patients. It just shows a stunning lack of foresight.
"All of this underscores the urgent need to re-establish power-sharing."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Health Pat Sheehan MLA said: "The cut to training is counter to the transformation agenda set forth by the Professor Bengoa's Expert Panel report and my Sinn Féin colleague, former Health Minister, Michelle O’Neill.
"Everyone recognises the clear need to increase the capacity of HSC staff to meet ever-growing demands placed on the health service. Cutting resources for specialist training for nurses goes against this.
"I have particular concerns that the commitments made in Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together plan, namely the allocation of a District Nurse and Health Visitors to every GP practice is being abandoned by the Department of Health. This undermines efforts to deliver multi-disciplinary teams in primary care at a time when GPs are under increasing pressure.
"Furthermore it seems that a central pillar of the transformation process prioritised by Minister O’Neill, which is to involve those who deliver and use HSC services in designing transformation, has been ignored with a decision being made without proper engagement from the department."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
26 April 2012
Suicide Awareness Training To Be Introduced To Council Staff
Suicide awareness training is to be introduced for all staff and politicians at Belfast City Council, the Lord Mayor has announced. The new initiative is just one outcome of a community conference hosted at City Hall by Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile.
Suicide Awareness Training To Be Introduced To Council Staff
Suicide awareness training is to be introduced for all staff and politicians at Belfast City Council, the Lord Mayor has announced. The new initiative is just one outcome of a community conference hosted at City Hall by Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile.
26 September 2024
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
17 April 2024
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
Funding And Action Plan Needed For Children's Health Waiting Lists
Funding and an expertly researched action plan are needed to address children's health waiting lists if Northern Ireland is to avoid developing a two-tier health system. This was the message Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA following the publication of a new report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
