Opinion

Analysis: Stormont deal urgently needed to rebuild broken healthcare system

The nursing strike is set to continue in the absence of a deal
The nursing strike is set to continue in the absence of a deal The nursing strike is set to continue in the absence of a deal

TOOTING horns and shouts of support for nurses on picket lines yesterday failed to buoy up those who expressed their disbelief that it had "come to this".

It was a very different mood from that of the pre-Christmas walkouts by Royal College of Nursing members, when staff involved in their first ever strike felt the radical move would result in action.

In the three weeks since, tensions between trade unions and health service bosses have ratcheted up - with both sides becoming more entrenched and hopes of a resolution fading.

The language and tone has changed for the worse, with accusations of "bullying" and "silencing" of striking workers while officials warn of nurses creating "tipping point" scenarios.

Throughout this period, public support for staff has not waned despite thousands of cancelled appointments and procedures.

However, with another strike taking place tomorrow involving thousands more healthcare workers from Unison, as well as further industrial action planned until March, it is clear that a system already in crisis cannot sustain further walkouts.

In a month in which 12-hour A&E breaches are spiralling and experienced consultants have warned the health service has "fallen off a cliff edge", the need for a restored assembly has never been more urgent.

Senior civil servants are not for budging, the Secretary of State has passed the buck and trade unions are resolute they will not back down.

With political parties still talking at Stomont, it can only be hoped that a breakthrough brings an end to this bitter dispute and allows the process of rebuilding a broken system to begin.

Read more:Striking nurses vow to continue walkouts as healthcare crisis escalates