The problems being faced at present should not come as a surprise

I’M delighted to be back in Northern Ireland today, catching up with old friends and finding out at first-hand about the latest developments in health and social care.

It is always an inspiration to see for myself the commitment and expertise of staff – and the widespread determination to make things better.

There is no doubt the system is struggling as demand for services keeps rising and budgets are squeezed.

However, there are grounds for confidence too, not least because we know what needs to be done to ensure a stable and successful future.

That’s the main theme of my visit today – helping to celebrate the 70th birthday of the

NHS and focusing on what is required and being done to help it endure and prosper.

The central problems being faced at present should not come as a surprise. We warned in our October 2016 report about the “burning platform” – the current outdated system will increasingly be unable to cope as pressures and challenges intensify.

Always remember the situation facing health and social care in Northern Ireland is far from unique. Citizens and policy-makers across much of the developed world are grappling with the exact same fundamental issues.

Significantly longer life expectancy – the demographic revolution – is changing the face of society, often in very positive ways.

It means health and social services have to change and that applies across different funding models.

Here’s the good news. That willingness and determination to change exists in abundance in Northern Ireland.

Of course there will be frustration and setbacks along the way.

Politics and policy-making do not tend to follow a smooth path anywhere in the world.

Transformation is a long-term process. That’s why your previous Health Minister Michelle O’neill set out a 10-year vision in her Delivering Together report in October 2016.

Northern Ireland can still blaze a trail for others to follow.

So by all means celebrate the health service’s 70th birthday with pride.

But keep working to make sure it reaches 80 years in fine shape.

ON OUR HEALTH CRISIS

OVERWORKED Accident & emergency department CALL FOR CHANGE Professor Rafael Bengoa