On behalf of hundreds of doctors in Northern Ireland, the three UK Royal Colleges of Physicians have come together to launch an action plan for the next Northern Ireland executive.
Ahead of the Stormont election on 5 May 2022, the three UK Royal Colleges of Physicians have come together to publish a new call to action, The time is now: an action plan to rebuild the health and care system in Northern Ireland. Together, the colleges are calling for:
- an updated NHS workforce plan for Northern Ireland, focused on recruitment and retention
- a cross-government plan to tackle ill health and inequalities
- a pandemic recovery plan that tackles growing waiting lists and diagnostic delays.
Reflecting the urgency of these shared priorities, the three UK Royal Colleges of Physicians have taken a collaborative approach as they urge the next Northern Ireland executive to deliver a multi-year budget for the health and care service while prioritising the wellbeing of the health and social care workforce and taking a strategic approach to workforce planning and data collection. They are also calling on the next health minister to expand the number of medical students in Northern Ireland and recruit specialty and overseas doctors to reduce rota gaps. Other recommendations include:
- introduce integrated care systems as soon as possible
- implement existing plans and strategies
- prioritise digital technology and regional working
- develop high quality patient-reported performance measures
- invest in specialist, clinically led multidisciplinary weight management services.
Dr Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said:
‘The past 2 years have been the most difficult in NHS history. We can expect to see the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, education, income and wellbeing outcomes in the coming years. The next Northern Ireland executive has a chance to make a real difference by prioritising a cross-government approach to tackling inequalities. Better health leads to a better quality of life.
‘It is no secret that there is an NHS workforce crisis across the UK. The next Northern Ireland executive should take swift and decisive action to recruit and retain more doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Northern Ireland is a wonderful place to work, but too often rota gaps and an excessive workload are leading to staff burnout and low morale. A fresh approach is needed.’
Professor Andrew Elder, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh said:
‘A&E care services are currently under extreme pressure, and have been for some time, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regrettably, the current challenges in delivering A&E care services in Northern Ireland negatively impacts on the ability of many medical specialities to effectively and efficiently provide their usual level of elective care.
‘It is vital that these issues are addressed both for the good of patients in Northern Ireland, and for the physical and mental wellbeing of our healthcare workers. Efforts must continue to recruit and retain a world-class workforce to deliver the best possible patient care.’