Menu
02/05/2024
Alliance Urges Health Minister To Open Dialogue With Junior Doctors
The Alliance Party has urged the Health Minister, Robin Swann, to open dialogue with Junior doctors ahead of newly announced strike action.
The British Medical Association (BMA)'s Northern Ireland Junior Doctor Committee (NIJDC) has published planned strike action for two separate 48-hour walkouts, taking place from 22 May-24 May, and 6 June-8 June.
Alliance Health spokesperson and East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly said: "It's incredibly disappointing that talks have broken down between the Department of Health and the NIJDC, particularly when our health service is in as critical a state as it is.
"Junior doctors play a vital role right across the health service in keeping it functioning day-to-day and they deserve to be paid in a way that's reflective of this. This also means that everything possible must be done to prevent industrial action on such a scale as this, which would inevitably be hugely disruptive to an already strained system.
"Where adequate pay and conditions are not provided, workforce recruitment and retention suffers. As a result, patient safety ultimately ends up being put at risk when the service cannot ensure that people receive the safe and quality care they need, when they need it. NI continues to lag further behind the rest of the UK, and this must be addressed.
"I would urge the Health Minister to engage with the BMA without any further delay on this, with a view to resolving the current dispute in a timely manner before any planned strike action takes place."
The British Medical Association (BMA)'s Northern Ireland Junior Doctor Committee (NIJDC) has published planned strike action for two separate 48-hour walkouts, taking place from 22 May-24 May, and 6 June-8 June.
Alliance Health spokesperson and East Antrim MLA Danny Donnelly said: "It's incredibly disappointing that talks have broken down between the Department of Health and the NIJDC, particularly when our health service is in as critical a state as it is.
"Junior doctors play a vital role right across the health service in keeping it functioning day-to-day and they deserve to be paid in a way that's reflective of this. This also means that everything possible must be done to prevent industrial action on such a scale as this, which would inevitably be hugely disruptive to an already strained system.
"Where adequate pay and conditions are not provided, workforce recruitment and retention suffers. As a result, patient safety ultimately ends up being put at risk when the service cannot ensure that people receive the safe and quality care they need, when they need it. NI continues to lag further behind the rest of the UK, and this must be addressed.
"I would urge the Health Minister to engage with the BMA without any further delay on this, with a view to resolving the current dispute in a timely manner before any planned strike action takes place."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 August 2024
Health Minister Expresses His Support For Health Care Staff
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has expressed his support for health and social care staff following recent racist attacks and intimidation in Northern Ireland. Minister Nesbitt said: "We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated health and social care workforce here.
Health Minister Expresses His Support For Health Care Staff
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has expressed his support for health and social care staff following recent racist attacks and intimidation in Northern Ireland. Minister Nesbitt said: "We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated health and social care workforce here.
15 September 2023
SDLP Calls For Junior Doctor Taskforce
The SDLP has called for a new taskforce to be established to help improve the working conditions of junior doctors in Northern Ireland. The party's Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath, has made the call following a cross-party meeting with representatives of the British Medical Association (BMA) and representatives of junior doctors.
SDLP Calls For Junior Doctor Taskforce
The SDLP has called for a new taskforce to be established to help improve the working conditions of junior doctors in Northern Ireland. The party's Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath, has made the call following a cross-party meeting with representatives of the British Medical Association (BMA) and representatives of junior doctors.
04 August 2010
Funds 'Ringfenced' As Doctor Shortage Bites
There was mixed news today as a leading doctor's union warned that the ongoing shortage of junior doctors is threatening patient care and safety - while also welcoming a promise of no cuts in the existing health budget.
Funds 'Ringfenced' As Doctor Shortage Bites
There was mixed news today as a leading doctor's union warned that the ongoing shortage of junior doctors is threatening patient care and safety - while also welcoming a promise of no cuts in the existing health budget.
11 September 2024
Minister Welcomes Work To Tackle Illegal Puppy Breeding And Smuggling
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has welcomed the ongoing work to tackle illegal puppy breeding and smuggling. The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs visited Larne Harbour to meet with members of the multi-agency enforcement Paws for Thought Group.
Minister Welcomes Work To Tackle Illegal Puppy Breeding And Smuggling
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has welcomed the ongoing work to tackle illegal puppy breeding and smuggling. The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs visited Larne Harbour to meet with members of the multi-agency enforcement Paws for Thought Group.
15 August 2024
Lord Mayor Of Belfast Welcomes £15m Of PEACEPLUS Funding
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has welcomed nearly £15 million in funding through the PEACEPLUS Programme, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body. The funding will focus on improving community relations in the city and support Belfast City Council’s Action Plan to foster a compassionate and inclusive Belfast.
Lord Mayor Of Belfast Welcomes £15m Of PEACEPLUS Funding
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has welcomed nearly £15 million in funding through the PEACEPLUS Programme, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body. The funding will focus on improving community relations in the city and support Belfast City Council’s Action Plan to foster a compassionate and inclusive Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Dry start on east coast otherwise cloudy with outbreaks of rain accompanied by strong southerly winds. Some heavy rain later, with some short lived very hevay squally bursts, then western and central areas turning clearer and less windy. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Remaining rain in east quickly clearing this evening then a dry evening and night with long clear periods and lighter winds. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
