DUP 2007 POLICY PAPERS
For a Healthier Future:
The DUP want to improve the overall patient experience. We demand enhanced facilities to help improve the health of the population.
The Appleby Report reinforced that the health service in Northern Ireland has suffered from long-term under-funding relative to the rest of the UK. Estimates vary from 7 to more than 20% for the extra per capita spend that is required to provide the same standard of care in Northern Ireland as in England.
There are much higher needs in Northern Ireland. We have more deprivation with higher levels of morbidity and early death, and more disability. We must contend with the consequences of decades of terrorism, and costs are higher to provide services to a more sparsely populated region.
The resources we do have must be used to maximum effect. We have argued consistently for reduced bureaucracy and streamlined decision making. Proposed reforms of health structures arising from the RPA provide opportunities, but they must be accompanied by new ways of operating.
Undoubtedly efficiency within the system can be improved. For instance in England, though they have even fewer beds per capita than here, their turnover rates are better. Improved community packages mean those on the mainland with traumatic brain injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis or strokes spend less time in acute hospitals.
Sufficient staff would be more important in helping to prevent trolley waits and unacceptable waiting times than simply greater bed numbers. Staff morale must be improved. We need to train, recruit and retain more staff including professions allied to medicine.
Health is one sector in particular that would benefit massively from local decision making and greater accountability. The focus must be on investing in health promotion, early intervention and prevention of illness at community level.
Mental health, learning disability and providing for the needs of an ageing population remain key priorities for the DUP. More people are living longer and consequently require extra treatment and long-term care.
A more efficient hospital system is required, with the delays and blockages which patients face removed. Enhanced intermediate and community care would allow patients to be discharged from hospital earlier, and address the needs of those with chronic conditions who are otherwise likely to require multiple short re-admissions.
Greater community ownership of health services is needed. Increased health awareness will lead to individuals taking greater personal responsibility for the wellbeing of themselves and their families. Diet, lack of exercise, binge drinking, smoking and illicit drug use all contribute significantly to ill health in the province.
Our focus cannot afford to be directed too much towards acute services. The need of those with chronic conditions and disability must not be overlooked. We support the extension of NICE guidance and recommendations to Northern Ireland so patients here can be assured of the same standard of care as in the rest of the UK.
The DUP is concerned at the increased level of suicide in recent years. After heart disease and cancer, suicide is the third largest cause of life years lost in the province. A range of efforts directed at individual, community and provide-wide levels must be pursued to attempt to reduce suicide.
A holistic approach is required since many factors including environmental and socio-economic circumstances can contribute. High unemployment, poverty, relationship break-ups and social fragmentation may be significant. Better cross-sectoral co-operation is essential, involving organisations such as schools and youth groups.
