Dr Brian Patterson, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Council
Speech to ARM 2005
29 June 2005
I would like to make the somewhat unusual move of opening my address with a question - when is devolution 'not devolution'? When it’s Northern Ireland.
You will be well aware that our political impasse persists and the Northern ireland Assembly remains suspended. we have welcomed the appointment of our latest direct rule Ministers, namely Peter Hain as Secretary of State and, Shaun Woodward, responsible for health and with whom we have just commenced a working relationship. A rapid resumption of our own Executive remains unlikely and unfortunately health services suffer due to the lack of local accountability by politicians, civil servants and managers.
We are currently in the throes of yet another consultation on the review of public administration to address our overly bureaucratic local situation, and BMA northern ireland Council is working to influence the outcome regarding health service structures. I also had the opportunity earlier in the year to meet with Professor John Appleby of the King’s Fund who is expected to report in the near future on his independent review of health and personal social services in Northern Ireland. We must remain optimistic that both these initiatives will have a positive impact.
An issue which causes us grave concern is the fact that the 2004/2005 Review Body Award has not been paid to doctors working in hospitals. This is contrary to the agreement reached during contract negotiations. We have communicated our concerns in the strongest possible terms to both the permanent secretary for health and the permanent secretary for finance. Doctors are not going to wait much longer for agreements to be honoured.
Over the years we have clearly expressed a willingness to work with our Department of health to help resolve difficult issues facing the nhs. We are amazed and disappointed that they have never taken up this offer. However, we now extend it to our new health minister in the hope he will do so.
Other issues exercising the Northern Ireland Craft Committees reflect the national agenda, to a certain degree, namely –
- There has been sporadic, inconsistent and tardy implementation of the new Consultant Contract in Northern Ireland, to date, which is causing considerable unrest amongst our grass roots. this will be a major agenda item for our first meeting with Mr Woodward.
- By comparison there has been a reasonably good roll out of the GMS Contract, although issues around superannuation and staff funding remain to be resolved. One major outstanding problem is the failure of our Department to allow sessional doctors access to the NHS Superannuation Scheme as has happened in the other three UK countries.
- Progress around trusts’ compliance with the european working time directive and how it applies to junior doctors has been slow and the outcome of the latest Trust monitoring round is awaited with interest. Our junior doctor representatives remain actively involved in the work of the New Deal Implementation Support Group including its rebanding group.
- Both the juniors and our medical students are closely monitoring the implementation of Modernising Medical Careers Foundation Programmes in Northern Ireland, and while some concerns were allayed at a recent meeting with our Postgraduate Dean and DHSSPS HR Director, many questions remain unanswered.
- Difficulties have arisen around parity in respect of Medical Academic contracts including Joint Appointees, Academic GPs and University Medical Academics, all of which are being progressed by our Medical Academic Staff Committee.
- Last but not least, while our representatives are fully involved in the Staff and Associate Specialist doctors’ contract negotiations, the Northern Ireland Department of health is there in an observing capacity only. We believe there is an issue regarding affordability and possible conflict between the DHSSPS and the pay masters – again, another major item for our first meeting with the new Health Minister.
On a much more positive note, I am pleased to tell the RB this morning that Minister Woodward announced yesterday that a smoking ban would be implemented in Northern Ireland. However, no decision has yet been taken as to whether or not it will be a complete ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces or a partial ban. We will not know for another few months.
I believe that BMA Belfast has been instrumental, through our strategic public affairs campaign in the province, in raising public awareness to a point where an unprecendented number of people took part in the Government’s consultation on the tobacco issue carried out earlier this year. An overwhelming 91% of those who voted did so for a total ban. We urge the health Minister to listen to the clearly expressed voice of the people of Northern Ireland and take the same bold decision as the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. We will give him our full support when he does.
In conclusion, can I offer my thanks for the support of all the staff at BMA Belfast namely Brian Best and his team. Thanks to my colleagues in various crafts for their support and tolerance, and thanks to our members in Northern Ireland for their courtesy and help.
