Mike Nesbitt announced the strategic plan in the Assembly today (Tuesday), which he said would involve work around stabilising, reforming and delivering services. However, Ms McAllister said there was little new contained in the proposals.

“This plan is ambitious in its scope but unfortunately it does not contain anything new, along with a serious lack of detail,” she said.

“The Minister did not outline a roadmap on how better health outcomes will actually be delivered for patients and again, we ended up hearing a wishlist as opposed to anything substantial or indeed realistic.

“Funding is used consistently in the Department of Health as an excuse for inaction but unless the Minister wants the entire Executive budget, which would otherwise also go to Education, Infrastructure, DAERA and Justice among others, to go to Health, then he must accept there must be change in the system.

“Simply put, it costs more to stand still than prioritise preventative health, early screening and tackling health inequalities. We consistently spent more on health per head than other regions but instead of improved outcomes, we constantly see longer waiting lists.

“Reform of our health service should not be part of a wish list – it is absolutely necessary to ensure health and social care in Northern Ireland has a future.”