Mrs Dodds said:
“At today’s Health Committee, I raised deep concerns with the Minister following the disturbing findings in the report into the cardiac unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
What is even more worrying is that this toxic culture may not be confined to one department. I have been contacted by individuals who say the same issues are prevalent right across the Belfast Trust. It is particularly troubling that the Minister appeared unaware of a report that is said to have examined these wider problems.
Staff deserve better. There must be a proper, independent investigation. Turning a blind eye to how staff are treated, or to the dysfunction that seems embedded in parts of the Trust, is not an option.
Change is long overdue. The new Permanent Secretary in the Department has indicated that the Trust is at stage four of a five stage process before special measures are introduced, but I believe time has long since passed for departmental action. The Belfast Trust delivers regionally in many specialist services and has benefited from a massive injection of public money. These issues need to be sorted and a safe, respectful, and supportive working environment must be provided. Staff need to feel supported, and public confidence needs to be rebuilt.”
Commenting on the Health Minister’s remarks about the budget, Mrs Dodds added:
“It is staggering that the Minister could claim there are no savings to be made within our Health Trusts. No public service, especially one that takes up nearly half of our entire block grant, should be beyond scrutiny.
No one is suggesting cuts to frontline patient care. But it simply isn’t credible to suggest that there are no efficiencies to be found in the layers of management and bureaucracy within our health system.
This blank cheque approach is neither sustainable nor acceptable.”