Patient safety more important than financial pressure, says Minister

David Ashford admits balancing budget and demand is a challenge

The Health Minister insists finances mustn't have an impact on clinical safety.

David Ashford's comments come after an independent report into the Island's endoscopy service was made available to the public, with several policies and administrative procedures coming in for criticism.

Mr Ashford confirmed many of the recommendations made in the report have already been acted on, and that extra resources have been put into endoscopy.

The Minister admits it can be challenging to balance demand on the health service with the available budget: