Kimmins elected as Chair of Stormont Health Committee

Local MLA Liz Kimmins has been selected by the party to serve as chairperson of the health committee in Stormont. Ms Kimmins said she is determined to secure services and rebuild confidence at Daisy Hill Hospital.

 Speaking after her selection the Newry and Armagh public representative said “I am delighted to take up the role of Chairperson of the Health Committee in the Assembly.

“As the Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Care, and having worked in the social care system for many years, I know that we need to see real transformation right across our Health and Social Care service.

“There is much work to be done, and Sinn Féin will be meeting with the Health Minister to discuss key issues, including fair pay for Health and Social care workers who have worked tirelessly under difficult conditions and deserve a fair pay increase.”

“We also need to see steps taken to ensure that services can be delivered safely to communities across the north.

“Daisy Hill in particular is a key hospital, and I am determined to work with all parties, and the Minister, to ensure that every effort is made to secure our services and rebuild the confidence of both the public and staff.

“We need all parties working together collectively to deliver the transformation and support that our Health Service desperately needs.”

One of the MLA's first requests was to call on the health minister to urgently meet with the NI Children’s Hospice following the announcement they are to reduce bed capacity due to a loss of government funding. 

Ms Kimmins said “News that NI Children’s Hospice is to cut its bed capacity due to a lack of government funding is a worrying development. 

“I would urge the health minister to urgently meet with the hospice to consider ways the department can support this vital service which is a lifeline for families in their time of need."