SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
While welcoming the publication of Minister Swann’s Trust Rebuilding Plans for Health and Social Care and its focus on elective surgery, Mr Durkan said cross-border healthcare options must be explored.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The pandemic has laid bare the fragilities of our health system, particularly staffing capacity which I am glad Minister Swann has acknowledged in his Trust Rebuilding Plans.
“However, what concerns me most is the entrenchment of a two-tier health care system whereby those who can afford to go private will do so and those who can’t, will languish on waiting lists while their physical and mental health deteriorates.
“Indeed, many will spiral into debt just to access treatment.
“In recent weeks, I have been contacted by multiple constituents already waiting years for elective surgery who have basically been told by consultants that as a consequence of the pandemic, they are contending with a four-year waiting list but if they’re willing to pay they can be seen within the month.
“Steps need to be taken to eradicate this perverse ‘dangling carrot’ practice- accessing appropriate, timely healthcare is a basic right that should be afforded to all and not just to those who can afford it.
“Waiting lists were buckling under pressure long before Covid, further disruption and backlogs are unavoidable.
“Now with the removal of the EU Directive is incumbent upon the Health Minister to explore every possible alternative.
“It is regrettable that the health service needed to rely on other EU countries health systems to address Orthopaedic backlogs in the first place, nevertheless cross border cooperation is critical at the current juncture.
“North/ South collaboration with regard to healthcare isn’t about asking the South to take on our cases on top of their own as Minister Swann has portrayed in previous responses within the Assembly this week, but rather it’s about maximising resources.
“A health service, free at the point of delivery must be protected at all costs.”
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