A commitment by the Chancellor to pump an additional £2 billion into the NHS has been described as “great news for front-line services”, according to NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Mark Brotherston.
“This will mean tens of millions more to deliver care directly to patients in Northern Ireland, if Stormont ministers use the money properly”, Mark explained. “It’s another sign of the Conservative Party’s commitment to the NHS and it illustrates that the government’s long-term economic plan is vital to the future of our health service. A strong, growing economy has allowed George Osborne to make this investment. Unlike the Labour Party the government has a long-term plan for the economy and a long-term plan to safeguard the future of the NHS.”
“In Northern Ireland, DUP health ministers have so far failed to tackle waste and bureaucracy in health service management and have instead targeted front-line services, when money is tight. The NHS here has 42% more non-medical staff – managers and bureaucrats – than the NHS in England. Extra money is a welcome boost, but it must be put directly into providing care for patients. Conservative Party ministers have shown their commitment to the NHS and their determination to prioritise front-line services. Their policies have delivered more money for the health minister in Northern Ireland and he has a responsibility to make sure that it spent properly.”