McGimpsey address:Ulster Unionist Health Minister Michael McGimpsey described the money allocated by DUP Finance Minister Peter Robinson to his department last week as "a standstill budget".
The proposals "will do nothing to help in driving down waiting lists further", he told delegates.
He said that he had agreed only a draft budget as the basis for consultation with the Assembly and the general public. "I have not agreed a final budget.
"Despite the spin and hype that has been emanating from Stormont Castle and some naive comments from DUP representatives, the reality is that for health, the current proposals represent a standstill budget, particularly in years one and two that barely allows a creep forward in terms of new and improved services.
"Yes, it is correct to state that health has received an extra £450 million but our inescapable costs such as salaries and the rising cost of drugs have risen to approximately £700 million."
He said that dabbling with the health budget "in a manner akin to Thatcherism" was dangerous.
He told delegates that healthcare spending in the North was behind England and will be further behind under current proposals. "This is a grave injustice and equality issue. We should not be treated as second-class citizens with the kingdom." He said he was appalled by the lack of investment in mental health.