Shocking statistics show that local health service needs investment not cuts

11.41.04am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th Apr 2007

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has hit out at news that more than 2,000 charges of medical negligence have been made against the local health service since 2001 stating that these figures show how ill-judged cost cutting measures are hitting our local health service.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "These figures are shocking and illustrate a disturbing trend. I am very annoyed about this culture of cost-cutting which may be leading to corners being cut in the Health service. At the moment there seems to exist a mindset of cutting spending across the board at all costs.

"I also want to pay tribute to local healthcare professionals as they are working hard under extremely difficult conditions. Local staff are being stretched to the limit because of cuts and more must be done to assist them.

"The main priority simply has to be providing the best health service possible, not conducting these constant economy drives which we see in the NHS locally.

"The spotlight will soon be on the new devolved Health Minister. They must tackle this matter head-on and move to improve the service through extra investment."

ENDS