Menu
24/01/2019
SDLP: Stormont Stalemate Is 'Wilful Neglect' Of Children's Health
The SDLP's Health Spokesperson has deemed the continuing political stalemate in Northern Ireland as a "wilful neglect of children's health".
Mark Durkan MLA's comments follow a report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Ireland which revealed that no progress on related policies has put the health and wellbeing of youngsters across the region at risk.
The power-sharing institutions at Stormont have been suspended since January 2017, following a breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein.
"Living within a political vacuum, it is unsurprising that there has been no progress insofar as children's health policy is concerned," the Foyle MLA said.
"It is unconscionable that politics here has allowed for a society where children's mental health is in decline and over a quarter suffer from obesity and other health related issues.
"Two years without an Executive marks two years of wilful neglect and vital recommendations and updated models for children's healthcare have not been implemented. Just last year hundreds of babies in the North West did not receive their early year assessments due do a shortage of health visitors- it is clear that children here are being disadvantaged from birth as a result of systemic failures.
"Our children are being let down in education, future employment opportunities and now the most basic of necessities; reliable healthcare. These are issues we cannot afford to be left behind on."
Mr Durkan continued that healthcare cannot be allowed to become collateral damage amid the "playground politics of the DUP and Sinn Fein".
"Evidently their political self-interests override the best interests of a public they supposedly represent.
"We cannot be lulled into inaction on these matters. The prosperous future of our society is reliant on the good health of our children- invest in them and we invest in a brighter Northern Ireland. Now is the time to put the needs of the people ahead of politics, before the deterioration of our institutions reaches the point of no return."
(JG/CM)
Mark Durkan MLA's comments follow a report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Ireland which revealed that no progress on related policies has put the health and wellbeing of youngsters across the region at risk.
The power-sharing institutions at Stormont have been suspended since January 2017, following a breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein.
"Living within a political vacuum, it is unsurprising that there has been no progress insofar as children's health policy is concerned," the Foyle MLA said.
"It is unconscionable that politics here has allowed for a society where children's mental health is in decline and over a quarter suffer from obesity and other health related issues.
"Two years without an Executive marks two years of wilful neglect and vital recommendations and updated models for children's healthcare have not been implemented. Just last year hundreds of babies in the North West did not receive their early year assessments due do a shortage of health visitors- it is clear that children here are being disadvantaged from birth as a result of systemic failures.
"Our children are being let down in education, future employment opportunities and now the most basic of necessities; reliable healthcare. These are issues we cannot afford to be left behind on."
Mr Durkan continued that healthcare cannot be allowed to become collateral damage amid the "playground politics of the DUP and Sinn Fein".
"Evidently their political self-interests override the best interests of a public they supposedly represent.
"We cannot be lulled into inaction on these matters. The prosperous future of our society is reliant on the good health of our children- invest in them and we invest in a brighter Northern Ireland. Now is the time to put the needs of the people ahead of politics, before the deterioration of our institutions reaches the point of no return."
(JG/CM)
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.
11 March 2022
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
16 December 2019
Medical Leaders Demand End To Political Deadlock
Senior health leaders in Northern Ireland have demanded that politicians restore local government at Stormont. The British Medical Association joined with seven royal medical colleges representing doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland to issue an unusual joint statement urging the restoration of power sharing.
Medical Leaders Demand End To Political Deadlock
Senior health leaders in Northern Ireland have demanded that politicians restore local government at Stormont. The British Medical Association joined with seven royal medical colleges representing doctors and nurses in Northern Ireland to issue an unusual joint statement urging the restoration of power sharing.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
