Question Time: Health, Social Services and Public Safety Monday 16 March 2015
Concerns
around the financial resources and services of Craigavon Area Hospital and
Causeway Hospital were discussed during today’s
questions to Health Minister, Jim Wells. Dolores Kelly asked what extra
resources would be made available to Craigavon Area Hospital in light of the
recent increased demand for services. Mr Wells described his Department’s 2015-16
budget as “extremely challenging”. Talks are ongoing with the Trusts, the
Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Authority “to clarify the
implications of the Executive’s final budget and develop detailed savings
proposals for 2015.” However the Minister was able to indicate that an extra
allocation of £28m is planned for the Southern Trust. This represents around
22% of the total planned increase to all Trusts. Given that the Southern Trust
currently spends around 16% of the total budget, this represents a significant
increase. The Minister added that “I can assure that we will maintain the
safety of services for patients and clients across the trusts. That will remain
my priority.”
Gregory
Campbell asked how the delivery of services at Causeway Hospital will change
following the recent
senior clinical staff appointments. Having had difficulty in attracting permanent
staff in the past the Minister is pleased to see the new staff arrive on site.
Three more consultant posts are also expected – “The appointments are good news
for the people who use the Causeway Hospital, and it is expected that these
permanent postings will enhance the continuity and quality of care for patients”.
The Minister
also answered questions on genito-urinary clinics and a rare diseases
implementation plan. During topical questions Mr Wells also answered questions
on cancer treatment, prescriptions, the budget deficit and Departmental
guidelines on abortion.
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