Government must tackle problems facing our young doctors

12.13.06pm GMT Fri 16th Mar 2007

Alliance Health Spokesperson, Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has called on the government to address the problem of why locally-trained doctors cannot gain employment in Northern Ireland.

Kieran McCarthy said: "Locally-trained doctors are currently finding it extremely difficult to gain employment in Northern Ireland.

"We have many very highly skilled young medical professionals in Northern Ireland but when they finish their training, they cannot get work here. This is unfortunately forcing them to move further afield to find a job.

"This is totally unbelievable because local people are crying out for better a health service and more medical professionals, but yet these highly-qualified doctors are being turned away.

"These problems come primarily from the current the recruitment process and they must be address by government as a matter of urgency.

"This is another example of brain drain in Northern Ireland. We simply cannot afford to lose our most talented young people if we are to create a prosperous society here."

ENDS