Ulster Unionist health spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has expressed his disappointment at the decision by the BMA in Northern Ireland to ballot its members for industrial action, urging doctors to recognise that Health Minister Mike Nesbitt remains committed to delivering their pay award as soon as an Executive budget is agreed.

Ulster Unionist health spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA said:

"I pay tribute to all our health staff working right across health and social care here. Like many people across Northern Ireland, however, I'm really disappointed that the BMA leadership locally has decided to ballot its members for industrial action.

"Last year, against all odds and despite huge political and budgetary challenges, Mike Nesbitt was able to deliver in full the independently recommended pay award for doctors. This year the Minister has again given a similar firm and personal commitment. He has been to the fore in engaging with his Executive colleagues and raising the major consequences of a budget still not being agreed.

"I do recognise that this dispute is not solely about pay being delayed. BMA members are also rejecting the recommended 3.5% award as too low. That is a serious concern and one the Minister takes seriously.

“Even so, the prospect of the BMA taking strike action is not only unhelpful but entirely unfair and disheartening to the many thousands of patients who will inevitably suffer delays and cancellations as a result.

"I would urge all BMA members to please recognise that they have a genuine ally in the Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt, and that taking strike action would in reality only make the situation much worse and more difficult rather than better."