“There is clear evidence that the funding gap on Health & Social Care in Northern Ireland compared to England is widening. The Barnet Formula is failing to take into account the need which exists in Northern Ireland and the Autumn Statement which increased spend in England by £8bn has not been reflected in Northern Ireland’s health budget. HM Treasury needs to provide the funding needed to meet the needs of our population and the work of transforming of our Health and Social Care Services needs to move forward.’
Responding to the Chancellor’s Budget to change pension rules and its impact on medical staff he said,
‘I have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders within the Health Service including the British Medical Association and Royal College of GPs. A key concern has been the ability to retain members of the medical profession nearing retirement and facilitating retired colleagues return to work because pension rules and taxation law was a barrier that needed to be addressed.
As we increase the number of students graduating in medicine it is important we retain and expand the number of medical professionals available to our Health Service. The measures announced today will be an important tool in developing a workforce that can meet the needs of our population.”