Health not a 'political football' - chief executive
Politicians in Northern Ireland are being warned to stop using the health service as a political football.
The acting chief executive of the NHS confederation, Nigel Edwards, said politicians must be prepared to "lead and to make bold choices".
The NHS confederation, which represents health and social care groups, have produced a pre-election paper.
It calls for greater understanding and debate about the future of the service.
At its annual conference, the Northern Ireland Confederation for Health and Social Services, is expected to warn that not only is real change required but that and that politicians must be prepared to embrace that change and to lead.
Acting chief executive of the NHS confederation, Mr Edwards, said that in challenging times the system must be allowed to adapt.