5 January 2018
Support health workers rather than scoring political points - Michelle O'Neill
"Over the course of the last few days other parties have added to the misery already experienced by those needing the health service. They have added to the pressures already expressed by the staff trying to manage in very difficult situations." - Michelle O'Neill MLA
Political parties need to stop using hard-pressed health workers to score political points and instead work to transform the health service, Sinn Féin leader in the north, Michelle O'Neill has said.
The former Assembly Health Minister was speaking amid the current crisis in the health service in the north which has seen increased pressure on accident and emergency departments in recent days.
Demand on emergency departments increased by 14 per cent over the Christmas period compared with the same period two years ago, leading to long waits at hospitals and calls by medical professionals for people to only attend A&E departments in emergency situations.
Speaking today, Michelle O'Neill said the current crisis has been brought about by cuts by successive British governments and the need to transform health service delivery.
Ms O'Neill also said the current crisis is "unacceptable" and called for action to deliver on the transformation plan, 'Delivering Together', which she had set out while health minister.
"It set out the blue print for change," she said. "For the first time ever I was able to secure political consensus for the plan. All parties need to stay focused on the plan instead of using the current political impasse to score political points.
"Sinn Féin is as committed to that plan today as we were the day I announced it.
"The reality is that there is no alternative; there is no time for other reports; this is the time for action," she added.
Ms O'Neill specifically called on other political parties to support health staff and work to transform the health service rather than using the current crisis as a "political football."
"Over the course of the last few days other parties have added to the misery already experienced by those needing the health service. They have added to the pressures already expressed by the staff trying to manage in very difficult situations.
"Today I urge all parties to stop playing games with this vital service.
"We can all engage in a circular blame game but that does nothing to help our health workers or to get the political institutions back in place.
"So I'm appealing to all parties to support the continued transformation of our health service. And I am making a direct appeal to the DUP to end the blockade of basic rights and allow us all to get back to the essential work of government," she added.