Health service heading towards ‘very bad place’ without budget – Nesbitt
Last updated 11th Aug 2026
Northern Ireland’s health service is heading towards a “very bad place” in the absence of an agreed budget at Stormont, Mike Nesbitt has said.
The Health Minister said he was currently unable to facilitate pay awards for healthcare staff and warned about the likelihood of further industrial action by workers.
Stormont ministers have been unable to agree a budget for the current financial year, with departments operating on contingency budgets since April.
Mr Nesbitt said the “pressing issue” for his department is pay. He said: “There are two independent bodies who recommend (pay awards) for doctors and dentists and for Agenda for Change staff.
“They made their recommendations months ago.
“I am unable to facilitate the payment of those pay rises or pay increases, pay awards without a budget.
“We’ve seen BMA consultants and residents, especially doctors, engage in strike action.
“I believe we’re not far from the Royal College of Nursing balloting their members about industrial action.
“So we are heading towards a very bad place.”