Ms McAllister was speaking following the Department of Health’s announcement: “I am pleased to hear that the Department of Health is recognising the value of our health workforce, and have offered a new pay deal to our consultants. 

“Our doctors are incredibly important to society and the health service, without them we would not be able to receive such high-quality care. I hope this new pay offer will now place consultants in Northern Ireland in a more positive position. 

"Our healthcare workers have been facing mounting pressure in recent years due to insufficient funding, staffing issues, and the rising demand for acute care. It's crucial that we support them. With a growing population and lengthy waiting lists, it's in everyone's best interest for our health professionals to receive the necessary support they deserve. 

“Alliance has been engaging with consultants and the BMA and I have and will continue to put forward questions to departmental officials during committee meetings. This pay offer highlights that the department recognises the value of our workforce, and whilst I welcome this new pay deal, the question remains around what is happening with junior doctors' pay. 

“I acknowledge that this is a step in the right direction, and progress is being made to support our health workers. However, the Minister of Health must now bring forward solutions regarding junior doctors’ pay and specialised doctors’ pay. A health service that values its staff across the board is a health service that can be stabilised.”