SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has said that he is deeply disappointed that government parties joined forces to vote down an amendment to a motion in the Assembly calling for acknowledgement of pressures facing midwives in the North of Ireland.
Mr Durkan said that the government was unable to articulate a reasonable explanation for voting the amendment down and that it will be seen by many as politicking with health service workers.
“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our health service, a service that is under severe strain,” said the Foyle MLA.
“And of course, when we are under severe strain it is our backbone that feels it first and our backbone that feels it worst.
“We need to attract and retain more nurses and midwives to help shoulder the massive burden and responsibility of those already doing the job.
“Staffing shortages have exacerbated the well documented pressures in the health system, impacted on the working conditions and morale of staff and, undoubtedly, affected patient outcomes.
“I was incredibly disappointed that the Government parties united to vote down my amendment which attempted to include midwifery as well as nursing, particularly given the imminent crisis in our midwifery workforce.
“They were unable to articulate any reasonable explanation for their stance so the only conclusion we can arrive at is that they are resolved to vote down opposition amendments, regardless of the message it sends to health service workers under extreme strain.
“No party should play political games with our health service or our health service staff. To do so is low, even for this government.
“The government must now abandon this flawed strategy and join us in doing all we can to deliver a first class health service that meets the needs of patients and staff.”
