First I congratulate the Minister, his Department and the Review team for initiating the Review of Health and Social Care.  Striving for better quality and more efficient health and social care should always be a priority for this legislature.  The Review is a positive first step of many towards ensuring this.  The current system is somewhat failing.  Services and staff are severely under pressure and patients are experiencing horrendous waiting times and treatment cancellations.  The Compton Report addresses these issues and suggests proposals within the constraints of the Department.  Whilst all the changes proposed are not desirable, overall, change is necessary to improve Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.

It is important to point out that whilst I support the continued need for improving our health service, I am far from criticising the work of current staff.  Indeed I praise their labours which are difficult, overstretched and emotionally demanding.  I suggest that the Review of Health and Social Care which strives to improve quality and efficacy will not only be a positive initiative for patients but also for the actors within the health service and will build on their expertise and commitment. 

A significant problem within the current system of Health and Social Care in NI is point of access to services.  A&E departments are overstretched because patients are using these services when GP out of hours, for example, would be more appropriate.  In some cases a trip to a local pharmacy would suffice instead of a costly visit to a GP.  As the report suggests we need to maximise the expertise of alternative services and educate the population where they can easily access the appropriate care.  Pharmacists, in particular are underutilised in NI.  Rather than imposing severe cuts, we should make use of the talented pool of pharmacists that two NI universities have educated.  Schemes already exist where pharmacists administer flu jabs, minor ailments, smoking cessations programmes, weight loss counselling etc. Take pressure off GPs by advocating services that pharmacists are more than qualified to administer.  I appreciate this is a long road, but we need to maximise the resources we already possess to get the best value for money, which is the essence of the Review.

Within my own constituency, there is considerable uncertainly with regards to acute services in Causeway Hospital.  Whilst the report was careful not mention specific hospitals, the likely proposal to close half of the ten current acute services has inevitably caused concern and fear, not only in my constituency but of course throughout areas in NI where A&E is currently provided.  I think it is important that the Minster publically discloses the position soon to alleviate the uncertainty amongst both the general public and staff, not only in my constituency, but across the board.  He must also clarify the situation in those that remain open with regards to adequate staffing and opening hours.  This is not just an economic issue; it is efficiency and quality of care. 

The Review puts forward a compelling argument to justify closing half of acute services and the closures that will almost certainly happen.    Whilst each hospital will have legitimate reasons to maintain acute services, I represent the case for Causeway.  Causeway Hospital is positioned in the heart of Northern Ireland’s premier tourist destination.  The population almost doubles during the summer and therefore increases the opportunity for accidents and emergencies.  Causeway is central to the area to provide quick access to acute services particularly for those who are relying on public transport, namely tourists.  The North Coast is host to major sporting events that require A&E services on hand.  The North West 200, The Milk Cup, The Portrush Airshow and now the Irish Open are a credit to my constituency, but unfortunately come with risks, both within the sport and through the spectators they attract.  It is almost ridiculous to suggest that acute services will not be available close by.

I reiterate my plea to the Minister to consider carefully and consider soon. 

DAVID McCLARTY MLA