SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
He has criticised the Department of Health for their short-sighted approach to funding health service education and training places.
Mr Durkan tabled a priority written Assembly Question to the Health Minister seeking urgent clarity on funding of university health courses, on behalf of a number of concerned prospective Ulster University students for 2024/25.
Minister Swann stated that in the coming months officials will ‘confirm the intake, effective from January 2025, onto the University’s Physician Associate programme.’
Mr Durkan said: “Earlier this week, I tabled a priority question the Health Minister calling for urgent clarity on funding for health related courses including allied health professionals.
“Students were desperately waiting for clarity with deadlines fast approaching.
“It’s unacceptable that that clarity wasn’t provided until the eleventh hour.
“The decision not to properly invest in the future of our health service is myopic and threatens the future sustainability of the system.
“Rather than encouraging people into these professions which are facing huge staffing shortfalls, the health service will be forced to rely on agency staff and overseas workers to plug gaps.
“This will result in increased costs placing further pressure on a decimated budget.
“The department’s decision will cut off the oxygen supply to a health service already in crisis; compromising safety and lumping extra burden on a battle-weary workforce.
“The future of the health service depends on a concerted and committed recruitment effort. It’s galling to see political leadership here make the same repeated mistakes.
“Sadly this is indicative of the penny-wise, pound foolish approach across government departments.
“The failure to invest in student health places today will lead to costly consequences down the road.
“People are already bearing witness to that failure. The department must spend strategically it’s time prioritising long-term savvy spend over short-term savings.”
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