Commenting on today’s announcement of the winter preparedness plan Dr Alan Stout, BMA Northern Ireland council chair said, “As the Department has acknowledged, winter pressures are really year long pressures; there will be no let up on the need for hospital beds or GP appointments and it will be a struggle to keep up with elective work alongside emergencies and acute need.

 

“Investment is health is always welcome, but I think we all know that this level of funding will only begin to address the huge gaps in service that patients are facing. What we really need are medium and long term plans to significantly reignite the planning and funding of our services.

 

“ We would encourage patients to use the additional services on offer from pharmacies and phone first, to get vaccinated if they are eligible and to work with hospitals in making sure relatives are discharged in a timely way to enable optimal patient flow through the system.”

 

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Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.