SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that any resource made available as a result of a pay deal struck with NHS England must reach front line staff in Northern Ireland. Said the Foyle MLA: “The pay deal struck between the British Government and NHS England staff will see a 6.5% pay increase over the course of three years.
“The allocation of additional resource means that our health service is entitled to a Barnett allocation at a similar proportion.
“It’s critical that any incoming resource as a result of this pay uplift is directed toward frontline staff and not used to plug temporary holes in the system.
“Over the course of a number of years now, our frontline health service workers have stretched themselves to the point of exhaustion to meet pressures on the system.
“We have unfairly expected them to cover the cracks with little reward. That must end,
“I will do all I can to ensure this money is awarded to tireless health service staff,” added Mr Durkan.
