Hussey welcomes Positive Response to UUP Health Manifesto
West Tyrone Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate, Derek Hussey, has welcomed a positive response to the Health section of the UUP’s published Manifesto by Mary Hinds, NI Director of the Royal College of Nursing.
Mary Hinds sits on a Press Association panel of specialists who are reviewing each party’s manifesto and, in her assessment of the Health section of the Ulster Unionist Party’s Manifesto, she stated “This is a
comprehensive and innovative agenda for the improvement of health and social care in Northern Ireland. I’m pleased to note the strong emphasis upon public health measures, which will build upon the achievements of the previous executive in relation to Investing for Health.”
The NI Director of the Royal College of Nursing continued “I am also pleased to note the party’s commitments to training the right numbers of nurses and supporting childcare provision for student nurses. It is good to see the references to enhancing mental health services and healthy living centres. Again this reflects the Royal College of Nursings’ own campaign priorities, particularly in promoting the mental health of children and young people and of older people, and addressing alcohol dependence and obesity.
“Violence against nurses and other health staff is a major concern and we are pleased the UUP has continued to highlight this issue. In concluding her remarks, Mary Hinds said “It is also very welcome to see the party’s commitments on the implementation of NHS Direct in Northern Ireland, support for nurses in policy making, care management networks and the enhancement of prescribing by nurses.
“These will all help to enhance standards for care for patients. That, after all, is what really matters.”
The West Tyrone UUP candidate, Mr Hussey, said “I welcome this extremely positive assessment of the Health proposals contained in our Party Manifesto. It is all the more pleasing to receive such an endorsement of these proposals given that it comes from one who is representative of those working on the front line of our Health Service.
“Undoubtedly, our proposals will help rural communities and can be an important element on the way to providing proper health provision notwithstanding the need for acute services in an Omagh based hospital. Whilst not questioning their training and professionalism, care must also be taken to ensure that nurses are not pressurised into roles that should be Doctor-led.
“I fully endorse Mary Hinds final comment in that what really matters for all of us is enhanced standards of care for patients.”