Gardiner praises cardio workers

Questioning the health Minister in the Assembly, Mr Gardiner, a member of the Stormont Health Assembly, said, “Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the staff who work in cardiology services across Northern Ireland?

“Does he agree with me that, contrary to what has been proposed by the DUP, health funding should not be reduced? That will ensure that Northern Ireland maintains the highest standards of cardiac care.”

The Minister. Michael McGimpsey MLA, said, “Of course I agree with the Member’s second point about funding. Members have heard me make that point over and over again, and I assure them that I will not get tired of making it.

“There is substantial underfunding in health and social services in Northern Ireland, as we heard during the previous debate on the McElhill/McGovern tragedy.

“We have very highly talented and trained professional cardiac teams in Northern Ireland, which are headed by our cardiac surgeons.

“Each of those surgeons requires a specialist team, including cardiology anaesthetists and specialist nursing and theatre staff, who must be trained and be able to maintain their skills.

“It is very much a team game, and it is appropriate that we occasionally pay tribute to them, because they save lives daily.”