Front Line Health Services Must Be Maintained - New British Medical Association (Northern Ireland) Chairman

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 20 Oct 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Magherafelt doctor, Dr Paul Darragh, has been elected as chairman of the BMA in Northern Ireland, it was announced yesterday (Monday 19 October 2009).

Dr Darragh, an associate specialist in general medicine, based in the mid-Ulster hospital, said, following his election:

"I am honoured and humbled to have been given the opportunity to represent and lead my profession in Northern Ireland.

"No-one could possibly be unaware of the current crushing financial pressure being brought to bear on health services and I will strive to ensure that high quality, front line health services are maintained.

"These financial constraints have made it imperative that the BMA should continue to work constructively with the Minister for Health and departmental officials, and I look forward to doing so".

Dr Darragh continued:

"I believe it is important that the BMA continues to lead the way in tackling other issues which impact on both doctors and patients. These include the need for proper commissioning of services; tackling the H1N1 virus; ensuring that patient confidentiality is maintained; and confronting public health issues such as obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption."

Dr Darragh concluded:

"Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessor, Dr Brian Patterson, for the tireless and inspirational manner in which he fulfilled the role of chairman over the past six years. I have had the privilege of working with him, and I will progress the work which he has started."

Source
British Medical Association Northern Ireland

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