NHS Waiting Times 2022-11-09
2022-11-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the high pressure on NHS services in Northern Ireland and seeks to understand recent discussions with key stakeholders regarding potential reforms.
What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues and representatives of political parties in Northern Ireland on tackling NHS waiting times in Northern Ireland?
We are acutely aware of the pressures facing the health service in Northern Ireland. A fully functioning devolved Government is the only way to deliver necessary reforms to transform healthcare, and we have made this point repeatedly to party leaders.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for details about discussions was not addressed with concrete examples or timelines.
A Fully Functioning Devolved Government Is The Only Way
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about one in four people being on an NHS waiting list in Northern Ireland, focusing specifically on the impact of staff roles. It highlights a letter from the outgoing Health Minister requesting implementation of the summer pay award due to financial constraints.
Given that around one in four people in Northern Ireland are on an NHS waiting list and recognising the role of staff is vital, will he take forward the request made by the outgoing Health Minister for the Secretary of State to implement the summer pay award?
The hon. Lady will know that we are deeply concerned about the state of Northern Ireland Executive's finances, and officials are working urgently with the Northern Ireland civil service to take things forward. Of course matters will be kept under review, but as health is a devolved matter, I have to say that the best way forward would be the restoration of the Executive.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about implementing the pay award was not directly addressed with a concrete commitment.
Of Course Matters Will Be Kept Under Review
The Best Way Forward Would Be The Restoration Of The Executive
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns arise from a significant budget reduction for health services in Northern Ireland next year, affecting nurse pay and potentially industrial actions. It references previous efforts to maintain pay comparability.
Given the predicted 2% lower health budget next year compared to this year and historical efforts by Health Minister Robin Swann to ensure pay parity between nurses in Northern Ireland and England/Wales, will he guarantee that there is sufficient funding for nurse pay without industrial action?
The recommendations of the independent review bodies were published in July 2022, but due to lack of an Executive decision on public sector pay, the Minister could not implement recommended pay increases. Pay parity with NHS England was restored after a strike in 2019-20, but without the Executive's presence, pay divergence has reoccurred. The UK Government provides £121 per person for the Executive for every £100 of equivalent UK Government spending to deliver public services in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a funding guarantee was not directly addressed with a clear commitment.
Due To Lack Of An Executive Decision On Public Sector Pay
The Best Way Forward Would Be The Restoration Of The Executive
Response accuracy