Dr. Ursula Mason, speaking on BBC News NI’s Sunday Politics program, emphasized the toll on patients, stating they are “either paying with their livelihoods or they’re paying with their lives.”
She stressed that doctors cannot continue to operate under these conditions of doing “more and more with less and less.”
The Northern Ireland Assembly passed its first budget in three years on Tuesday, despite opposition from several parties.
New Health Minister Mike Nesbitt echoed the warnings of his predecessor, Robin Swann, emphasizing the need for additional funding to avoid “catastrophic” cuts.
Nesbitt highlighted that the concerns about the health service’s sustainability weren’t just from Swann, but also from those directly involved in running the service, such as trusts.
Dr. Mason emphasized the urgent need for investment, expressing concern that impending budget cuts would exacerbate existing challenges.
She highlighted the tangible effects of resource shortages on patients, including increasing waiting lists and delayed care, which also take a toll on GPs’ morale.
