Dr Ray Nethercott, RCPCH Officer for Ireland said:
Paediatricians are wholly disheartened at the prospect of another period of political instability, worry and uncertainty in NI. We continue to see the impact of the 3-year hiatus and the inability to make key decisions and fully progress important policy such as the Paediatric Strategy 2016-26.
The More than a Number (PDF) report published by the Children’s Commissioner acknowledges that the waiting times for paediatric services, while already unacceptable, have been exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic response.
As NI recovers from the lack of political leadership, the impact of the global pandemic and attempts to fully deliver the transformation agenda as per Delivering Together 2026, now more than ever, we need politicians to urgently focus on our children. Paediatricians may be tired, but we are committed to serving the best interests of our patients. We implore political leadership in NI to ensure we have stability and continuity in our political institutions and that, when the next mandate does come, they make child health and wellbeing their priority for the Programme for Government. Children cannot wait. Developmental windows close periodically throughout childhood, we cannot play catch up on their health and development needs – we must act now”.
Footnote
The RCPCH is aware that Westminster is in final stages of the Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill, the main purpose of which was to implement elements of the excruciatingly negotiated New Decade, New Approach (PDF) Agreement. Clauses 1 and 3 contain provisions which should mitigate the impact of resignation by either the First Minister (FM) or deputy First Minister (dFM). The Lords are due to consider final amendments on 7 February 2022 and have sought to insert after Clause 3 that the relevant provision applies should Royal Assent coincide with the offices of the FM or dFM becoming vacant.