Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has spoken of the serious financial pressures facing all public services, including our health service, as a result of a decade of Tory Austerity and called for proper funding to be put in place.
Speaking after a meeting between Sinn Féin reps and the management of the Southern Trust, the Newry and Armagh MLA said:
“Our Health service, like all of our public services, has been decimated by a decade of Tory cuts and austerity and the financial package from the British government does not meet the needs of our public services.
“The Southern Trust informed us that they already face a deficit of £25m, which may rise further as they face late winter pressures.
“It’s extremely concerning that this deficit looks to increase in the next financial year, which will put huge pressure on the running of our health services locally.
“It is clear that we have been chronically underfunded by the Tories for a number of years and that we need a new approach from the Treasury to ensure we have the resources to deliver the public services that people deserve.
“This was the clear message from all parties in the Assembly this week. The British Government must step up and deliver proper funding for our public services.”
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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