SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said that health must not be a political football.
The Foyle MLA was speaking following the meetings of the management of the Health and Social Care Trusts.
He said that any further cuts will compromise patient safety and delivery of care.
Mr Eastwood went on: “SDLP representatives were yesterday at each Trust meeting across the North and made clear that any plan to make £70 million cuts must be resisted.
“Our message was heard loud and clear, we are here to help find a solution, ready and willing to work with the Trusts and the Department to help.
“But we do not believe that Trusts should have to make these savings, or can make these savings.
“While, we will support the Trusts in resisting these cuts, we will not support them in implementing them.
“In a context where the health budget shrinks in real terms year on year, this cannot be sustainable or safe.
“There is no way that savings of this magnitude can be achieved without compromising on patient safety and delivery of care.
“All political parties have a responsibility to resolve the political impasse and restore the Assembly to work to alleviate these pressures.
That is why the SDLP has called on parties to come together in the talks to agree an implementation plan for health service transformation.
Health must not be a political football but health is suffering as a result of political failure.
“At the meetings across the North, we heard other political parties duck and dive their responsibilities.
“But let’s be clear, Health is a devolved matter and if those who have already abdicated responsibility to take on the British Government in Westminster, really want to fight against austerity, they cannot abdicate responsibility here too.
“Devolution can work, but those with the big mandates to govern need to decide if they are up for the challenge of government.
“There is no more critical issue than the health of the people we represent. In the coming days, all political parties must turn their minds to that,” added the Foyle MLA.
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