Menu
18/09/2023
Dept Of Health Warns Of Disruption To NI Services
The Department of Health (DoH) has warned of "significant" disruption to health care services as NI health care staff take industrial action on 21 and 22 September.
In a statement the department said: "Intensive work will continue this week with the aim of mitigating impacts on the public where possible, but some reductions in service are inevitable."
Although the DoH said it "understands the deep-seated frustration" colleagues are faced with due to the absence of a pay offer this year, it "very much regrets" that healthcare professionals have decided to take strike action.
The department stated: "In setting out the implications of the budget it received for 2023/24, the Department said in May that it was facing an 'impossible position' and that decisions are required that are not in the best interests of the health and social care system.
"That remains the case today. As has been previously stated, the current budgetary constraints mean that matching the English pay offer for Agenda for Change health and social care staff would require large scale cuts on an unprecedented scale, with severe and lasting implications for services. That would be outside the scope of our decision making powers.
"The Department continues to look for ways to address the pay challenge."
In a statement the department said: "Intensive work will continue this week with the aim of mitigating impacts on the public where possible, but some reductions in service are inevitable."
Although the DoH said it "understands the deep-seated frustration" colleagues are faced with due to the absence of a pay offer this year, it "very much regrets" that healthcare professionals have decided to take strike action.
The department stated: "In setting out the implications of the budget it received for 2023/24, the Department said in May that it was facing an 'impossible position' and that decisions are required that are not in the best interests of the health and social care system.
"That remains the case today. As has been previously stated, the current budgetary constraints mean that matching the English pay offer for Agenda for Change health and social care staff would require large scale cuts on an unprecedented scale, with severe and lasting implications for services. That would be outside the scope of our decision making powers.
"The Department continues to look for ways to address the pay challenge."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
07 March 2019
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
Student Mental Health Services Allocated £150k
Student mental health services in Belfast are set to benefit from a first of its kind pilot project worth £150,000.
29 June 2022
Mental Health Service Waiting Times 'Deeply Concerning'
Sinn Féin have said that the number of children and young people waiting on referrals for mental health services is "deeply concerning". The party's spokesperson for Mental Health, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, was speaking after figures showed that 557 young people are waiting for a referral in the Belfast Trust, while two Trusts did not have records.
Mental Health Service Waiting Times 'Deeply Concerning'
Sinn Féin have said that the number of children and young people waiting on referrals for mental health services is "deeply concerning". The party's spokesperson for Mental Health, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, was speaking after figures showed that 557 young people are waiting for a referral in the Belfast Trust, while two Trusts did not have records.
05 July 2021
£10m Mental Health Support Fund Officially Opens
A new £10 million fund to assist mental health support organisations has been officially opened by Health Minister Robin Swann.
£10m Mental Health Support Fund Officially Opens
A new £10 million fund to assist mental health support organisations has been officially opened by Health Minister Robin Swann.
20 June 2019
Waiting Lists For Mental Health Services Rise
An Ulster Unionist MLA has warned that growing delays in accessing mental health treatment could be damaging for children and young people in Northern Ireland.
Waiting Lists For Mental Health Services Rise
An Ulster Unionist MLA has warned that growing delays in accessing mental health treatment could be damaging for children and young people in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be mainly dry and bright with some good sunny spells. However, an isolated light shower is possible, most likely in Counties Antrim and Down. Brisk northeasterly winds around the coast. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Any isolated light showers soon dying out, dry for most with clear skies developing. Chilly with patchy frost and fog in shelter. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
