Butler cannot be yet another caretaker Health Minister, says McAllister

She also said reform of the health service must be a priority within minister’s brief.

Ms McAllister said: “I look forward to working with the incoming minister on key issues coming through the Health Committee in the coming year. However, the elephant in the room cannot be ignored – this appointment marks the third UUP Health Minister in under three years. For a role as crucial to the governance of Northern Ireland and our society’s wellbeing, this is a hugely concerning trend.

“The lack of progress around reform of the health system has been a huge missed opportunity. In the decade since the publication of the Bengoa Report we’ve seen very little evidence of the difficult decisions that are necessary being made at a ministerial level.

“Alliance remain the only party that have consistently advocated for evidence-based decision-making in Health, listening to the experts and supporting a path forward that provides safe, sustainable, and accessible healthcare for everyone in Northern Ireland.

“The crisis in our health service will not be fixed by shying away from difficult decisions, and the incoming minister has a job of work to do in the coming weeks and months. It will require strong leadership from someone who can set aside party politicking and listen to the experts, and bring the public along on this journey.

“The crisis cannot be allowed to continue whilst a caretaker minister has his eyes focused on elections next May. We cannot afford to waste any more time.”