Mr Swann was returned as minister following a meeting of the Assembly on Saturday.
He said he intends to prioritise pay settlements for staff and to resolve industrial action.
Mr Swann held the same ministry between 2020-22 during which time his profile soared as he led the health service through the Covid-19 pandemic.
But the recent announcement that the respected North Antrim MLA would stand in South Antrim in the upcoming Westminster election has raised questions.
Party leader Doug Beattie has not been definitive over whether Mr Swann’s appointment was about raising his profile.
After the decision was praised by one unionist on X, formerly Twitter, as a “genius move”, Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen said he opposed the move.
The MLA for East Belfast and UUP communities spokesperson said: “I would respectfully disagree. We need a health minister with their full focus on the task at hand, not one eye on WM (Westminster).”
UUP’s Andy Allen
In a surprise move, the UUP announced at the end of January that the former health minister is to shift from North Antrim to try to unseat DUP MP Paul Girvan in the neighbouring constituency.
In a statement, Mr Beattie said Mr Swann was chosen “primarily” for his experience in the portfolio.
“The call I was receiving from the public and many health professionals was simple, we must hit the ground running.
“With two years of a five-year mandate already gone it was important we looked to experience to allow us to meet that challenge.
“This is the primary reason I looked towards Robin Swann to return to health. As the last health minister, Robin has an unrivalled understanding of the issues and is already well read into the department.
“Discussion in the medium to long term will of course take place. However, dealing with the here and now, public sector pay, workforce management, cancer care strategy as well as the elective care strategy needed a degree of experience.
“Robin Swann has that experience and I looked to him to hit the ground running which he has already done.”
Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (Brian Lawless/PA)
Mr Swann said yesterday that dealing with healthcare staff pay was his “immediate priority”.
He added: “I want to see pay negotiations being initiated without delay. Consequently I have written to the trade unions inviting them to early discussions.
“Staff are the bedrock of the health service and they are entitled to proper remuneration for the vital work they do.”
He said he was “honoured and humbled” to return to the role, adding: “We do not have a minute to waste given the scale of the issues facing services.
“The pressures across all parts of the system have built up over many years and cannot be quickly or simply fixed.
“However, I am convinced that a way forward is achievable through investment, improved productivity and efficiency, and changing how we organise some services.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
