DUP criticised for scaremongering over the health budget

The DUP have been criticised in the Assembly for scaremongering over efficiency savings in the Health budget and deliberately misrepresenting savings initiatives for their own political benefit. John McCallister UUP MLA for South Down called the attempts to criticise the savings as "totally false" "opportunistic" and "ridiculous". Mr McCallister also pointed out that it was the DUP who demanded efficiencies last January when they refused to increase the Health budget.

The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey responded by saying "When Peter Robinson was finance minister he talked about efficiencies. Now members from his party talk about cuts."

The Minister also suggested that the DUP were split over the issue of health adding, "It seems that one or more of the DUP have gone more than a little astray from their party leaders position."

The consultation process surrounding Health efficiencies is ongoing and the Minister invited the DUP to contribute saying, " I am listening, as long as those are serious ideas that show me where the savings are coming from, rather than opportunistic proposals."

Continuing to comment on health Mr McCallister added: "The UUP have announced that they are committed to value for money in public services and will do all they can to deliver public services in the most effective way possible so as to meet public demand at the lowest possible cost."

"During Question time on Monday the 8^th of December my colleague, UUP Health Minister Michael McGimpsey emphasised the importance of relying more on community based care. He rejected the idea of a one size fits all health system saying 'Patients tell us they want domiciliary-based care. Elderly people in particular want to avoid residential homes and nursing homes for as long as possible.' This proves that once again the UUP is delivering for the people of Northern Ireland in relation to health.