Find Additional Funding For 'Flu - British Medical Association

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health
Article Date: 09 Jul 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Commenting today on the Finance Minister's decision that he would not allocate the necessary £55 million funding to combat the swine flu pandemic, Dr Brian Patterson, Chairman of the BMA's Northern Ireland Council said,

"Tackling the pandemic caused by the H1N1 virus is a major public health challenge for Northern Ireland that requires a united response from the Northern Ireland Assembly leadership.

"We are deeply concerned at the refusal of Mr Wilson to find additional funding to ensure that Northern Ireland is properly prepared for the predicted rise in 'flu cases. There is no option but to fund preparations to tackle the pandemic, and the additional funding must be found, while ensuring that other healthcare services are not impaired in any way".

Dr Patterson continued,
"The support of the entire Assembly is essential in fighting this pandemic. We have long called for the devolution of health services, and the challenge that swine 'flu represents hopefully will prove that our confidence in local accountability is well founded.

"As doctors, we will continue to work with the DHSSPS and other healthcare colleagues to provide patient care, but this is becoming increasingly difficult under mounting financial constraints".

Source
British Medical Association Northern Ireland

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