Commenting on the statement from health minister Robbie Butler that he is to convene an expert committee to advise on HSC change, Dr Alan Stout BMA Northern Ireland Council chair said, “BMA Northern Ireland welcomes the Minister’s commitment made in this statement to involving doctors and other staff earlier in discussions about service change. Frontline clinicians must not simply be consulted once proposals have been developed; they should be involved from the outset in identifying problems, designing solutions and assessing the likely impact on patient care. I would strongly urge the Minister to make sure there are doctors’ representatives on the Independent Reconfiguration Committee.

“However, as BMA has said many times, Northern Ireland does not lack expert reports, independent reviews or clinical advice. The real challenge has been translating recommendations made in those reports into action.

“We are ten years on from the Bengoa report, but the changes recommended in it have been implemented in a way that has not truly addressed the issues our health service faces, and therefore we are currently seeing reform by service collapse.

“Too often, difficult or unpopular decisions have been delayed, diluted or abandoned when they become contentious. If this new process is to succeed, it must not simply create another layer of review. It must help the Minister to take evidence-based decisions, even when those decisions are unpopular, where they are demonstrably in the best interests of patients and the long-term sustainability of services. The Committee also needs to create a speed and an urgency to the changes that are needed.

“Reform is needed, but reform cannot be endlessly discussed. Doctors and patients need to see urgent action on the evidence that has already been gathered.”

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Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.