The Ulster Unionist Party’s Health Spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, has echoed the warning made by Health Minister Robin Swann that the cost of living crisis will have an impact on health outcomes.

Alan Chambers said:

“Today’s warning from the Health Minister about the consequences for the Health Service and health outcomes as a result of the cost of living crisis must not be ignored.  

“Both Westminster and Stormont need to act to help mitigate the worst effects of the cost of living crisis. This only serves to highlight the fact that this is absolutely the worst possible time for Northern Ireland to be left without a First Minister and fully functioning Executive.

“I was particularly struck by the Minister’s comments regarding the links between deprivation and poor health outcomes, in terms of both physical and mental health. Recent fuel price increases have seriously affected the cost of living and as a result many more people are faced with the choice between heating and eating. It is clear that poverty, unemployment, poor housing and associated stress can all make people ill.

“It is simply outrageous that there is money sitting in the coffers of Stormont departments that cannot be spent to alleviate poverty because we do not have a fully functioning Executive. The people of Northern Ireland really do deserve better than this.”