Northern Ireland's health minister has warned that the upcoming budget will not provide enough funding to maintain existing services, leaving the health and social care system facing a 'more of the same' scenario. Mike Nesbitt stated that a £400 million shortfall exists, forcing health trusts to find £200 million in savings and relying on budget reallocations to fill the gap. The minister highlighted the significant pressures on the system, including pay and price inflation, increased National Insurance costs, and an ageing population. Nesbitt emphasized the lack of additional funding for waiting list reduction and investment in GPs and social care, urging MLAs to support transformation initiatives.
The health minister has warned that his budget allocation means that the health and social care system is facing "more of the same" this year.Mike Nesbitt said he has £400m less than he needs to maintain services at existing levels.
The Department of Health gets more than half of Stormont's budget for spending on day-to-day services, which in 2025/26 will be £8.4bn, an increase of 2.6% compared to spending in this financial year.
HEALTH BUDGET NORTHERN IRELAND HEALTH SERVICE SHORTFALL SAVINGS
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