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Monthly Archives: August 2018
Deterioration in hospital waiting times is frightening
Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson, Roy Beggs MLA, has warned that ‘frightening’ is the only word that can be used to describe the scale at which the hospital waiting times crisis across Northern Ireland is deteriorating. Roy Beggs said: “It’s outrageous that out of a population of just 1.8m people, as of the end of June – the time of year when hospitals are usually quietest, so the numbers waiting should be at the lowest – there were over 275,000 patients waiting for a first appointment. “What makes it even more concerning is that 88,598 people had been waiting longer than a year. That’s not even waiting a year for treatment to commence; that was waiting a year to meet a consultant in order to even see what the best course of treatment would be. “During the summer we even had Health Trusts asking patients not to attend A&E units unless absolutely necessary … Continue reading
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Beggs presses for North Road resurfacing work to be completed before schools return
East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has contacted Road Service expressing his concern at the late start, and pressing for the resurfacing work on the busy North Road to be completed as soon as possible before the new school terms start at Carrickfergus Academy and Carrickfergus Grammar School. Mr Beggs MLA contacted Road Service stating “the signs indicate that the North Road will be closing from the 13th for 3 weeks. It is disappointing that the scheduled work may not be completed when the both Carrickfergus Grammar and Carrickfergus Academy Schools are off and when the traffic is relatively light on the North Road.” Previously the UUP MLA had previously received assurances from Road Service that the resurfacing programme for the North Road would be delivered over the Summer when the schools are off. Roy Beggs continued “I note that the Schools are opening from the Tuesday 28th … Continue reading
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MLA’s call to ‘highlight benefits of breastfeeding’
More needs to be done to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding to expectant mothers, East Antrim MLA and UUP health spokesperson Roy Beggs has said. Mr Beggs was speaking during was the recent Breastival event in Belfast, organised to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) have expressed concern at the low rates of breastfeeding in Europe which was adversely affecting health,” he said. “There seems to be a societal lack of awareness that breastfeeding has been scientifically proven to benefit both the mother and child. As well as increasing bonding between mother and child, breastmilk contains important antibodies, hormones, anti-viruses, anti-allergies, anti-parasites, growth factors and enzymes which are absent from formula milk. “Benefits for breastfed infants include reduced risk of infections, obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, in addition to a reduced likelihood of allergies. It is important that we as a society try to encourage and support … Continue reading
Register for childcare vouchers scheme – Beggs
East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs has urged constituents to ensure that they are registered for childcare vouchers, with the scheme due to close to new entrants on October 4. This could mean that new parents and working families not registered before then, in addition to those who switch jobs after October, stand to lose out on up to £933 each year. “It is important that the message gets out to the community that the six-month extension from March 2018 is coming to an end and the deadline for new entrants is fast approaching,” the UUP representative said. “I would urge working parent constituents to contact the Employers for Childcare charity helpline 0800 028 3008 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.” A spokesperson from Employers for Childcare added: “It’s imperative that we make as many working parents aware that they must register now and make one salary sacrifice before October 4. “This is the … Continue reading
Register for childcare vouchers scheme – Beggs – Larne Times
East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs has urged constituents to ensure that they are registered for childcare vouchers, with the scheme due to close to new entrants on October 4. This could mean that new parents and working families not registered before then, in addition to those who switch jobs after October, stand to lose out on up to £933 each year. “It is important that the message gets out to the community that the six-month extension from March 2018 is coming to an end and the deadline for new entrants is fast approaching,” the UUP representative said. “I would urge working parent constituents to contact the Employers for Childcare charity helpline 0800 028 3008 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.” A spokesperson from Employers for Childcare added: “It’s imperative that we make as many working parents aware that they must register now and make one salary sacrifice before October 4. “This is the … Continue reading
