Healthcare leaders say failure to form a Government will put patients at risk

The Royal College of Nursing, the British Medical Association Northern Ireland, the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the Royal College of GPs, representing thousands of doctors and nurses across Northern Ireland have today [Thursday 12 May] issued a joint statement urging elected representatives to put patients first and form an Executive immediately.

"Our health service is on the verge of collapse. We have the longest waiting lists in the UK, Emergency Departments are overflowing, general practice is in crisis, and we have chronic workforce shortages, alongside burnt-out staff who are contemplating leaving the health service forever. The situation could not be more serious."

“Following the Assembly election on 5 May, we are appealing to our newly elected representatives to put our health service first, form an Executive without delay and as a first step towards fixing our health service, agree a multiyear budget to allow leaders to plan and deliver services effectively.”

"We know not having a Government stalls progress. The lack of political stability puts basic service delivery at risk and inhibits our ability to make progress on key transformation projects including addressing our waiting lists, tackle the crisis in emergency admissions and improving capacity in general practice. It also means we cannot fund our Elective Care, Mental Health and Cancer strategies. We cannot underestimate the huge impact this uncertainty has on the lives of patients.”

"While we do not seek to minimise the challenges our political leaders face, it is essential that they work through them and find solutions. We urge all political parties to get back to the table, set aside their differences and work together to address the immediate healthcare needs of all our patients. The price of political failure is too severe and will be felt in the worsening health of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Notes to editors

PLEASE CONTACT CLIONA MCCARNEY AT RCGP-NI FOR INTERVIEW BIDS 07341 737033

Representatives from each organisation will also be at the Mater Hospital, Belfast at 11am for interviews tomorrow

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

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