Cases of Covid-19 have been rising and our hospitals are under increasing pressure. Indeed, right across the Health Service staff are overstretched and overworked. In particular there is a shortage of domiciliary care staff meaning hundreds of patients across Northern Ireland remain in hospital unnecessarily because there is no care package in place.
It is against this backdrop that the Executive introduced a Covid passport scheme this week. Whatever the motivation behind this proposal, it is not going to stop ambulances queueing at Emergency Departments or relieve the pressure on staff.
I want to see a proper plan in place to help our hospitals cope as we move into the winter period. An effective roll-out of the booster jab is our strongest tool against Covid-19, and the Executive's own scientific advice is that the booster programme would reduce hospitalisations from Covid by at least 15%.
I want to listen directly to those staff on the front-line and will be meeting Emergency Department staff on Monday evening as they meet the challenges in one of our busiest hospitals.
Targeted and effective action is needed which can make a difference quickly. The DUP will support any measures brought forward which tackle the fundamental issues facing our health service and to ensure healthcare staff are given the pay they rightly deserve.
Our National Health Service is something we all treasure and I want to see it not just protected but strengthened.
