Mr Durkan was speaking in advance of a meeting with health service professionals that he is hosting tomorrow.
Trusts are under pressure to save £70 million from their budgets over the next year with some vital services being affected.
He said: “Despite all of the challenges we face in restoring devolution, none of which are insurmountable, we have an opportunity to unite in the defence of our health service from extreme cuts which will threaten patient safety.
“That’s why I’m bringing together health service professionals tomorrow at Stormont to explore how we can best meet the challenges in the health service and deliver better outcomes for patients and staff.
“This issue is above party politics.
“That’s what attracted cross party support for the Bengoa report.
“The SDLP will continue to press for an urgent implementation plan and the best deal for our health service,” he added.