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Charity Hopes For Courageous Decisions By Health Minister

Tuesday 28 June 2005

The Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Association has stated that it is hopeful that the new Health Minister will take courageous decisions when he announces his future plans, on Tuesday 28th June 2005.

The Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Association has stated that it is hopeful that the new Health Minister will take courageous decisions when he announces his future plans, on Tuesday 28<sup>th</sup> June 2005.

NI Chest Heart & Stroke Association wishes to let the Minister know that, as a result of smoke-free environments in the Republic of Ireland, the number of Irish homes which are smoke-free has increased from 15% to 20%. This is an increase of more than 30%. This nails the lie of a UK Government Minister that prohibiting smoking in bars would bring about a situation where children were exposed to much more smoke in the home. It is gratifying that this misperception has been put to bed.

Andrew Dougal, Chief Executive of NICHSA reminded the Minister, “In a recent MORI poll, 61% of the adult population are supportive of smoke-free environments. In addition, less than 8% of the Northern Ireland population are determined smokers. 70% of smokers dearly wish to beat the smoking addiction. It would be inappropriate if the Minister was guided by 8% of the population and sacrificed the common good, in terms of health, for the rest of us in society.”

Mr Dougal continued, “I do hope that the problem of waiting lists, which has been a major problem in the Health Service since 1987, will finally be tackled in a planned and effective manner. It is essential that more cardiac surgical operations are undertaken at the Royal Hospitals Trust and that the huge investment, which the DHSSPS has made in that Trust, should bear fruit.”

“The Minister must also recognise that the waiting time for the first appointment to see a cardiologist has greatly increased. It is essential that action is taken in relation to this in terms of more resources being made available in terms of cardiology appointments. It is regrettable that manpower planning has not been all that it might in terms on an adequate supply of trained consultant cardiologists.”

Ends

The Minister of Health is due to speak at the Stormont Hotel on Tuesday 28th June 2005 outlining his plans for the future.

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