Monthly Archives: December 2019

Roy Beggs August 1 2019 17:25 PM Just over one in five urgent breast cancer referrals made in June in the Northern Trust were seen within the recommended two-week target. That’s according to Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs, who claimed it’s the third month in a row that the target was widely breached. Northern Ireland’s six healthcare trusts aim to have 100% of urgent breast cancer referrals seen within 14 days. Mr Beggs condemned what he described as a crisis in breast cancer services in the Trust. “It is well known that early diagnosis and treatment saves lives and for many cancer patients and their families, time is unfortunately a luxury that very few can afford. Cancer is a particularly cruel and unpredictable disease so there should be no opportunity for or tolerance of delays,” he said. A spokesperson for the Northern Trust said they could not validate that Mr … Continue reading →

Nurse leader: Pat Cullen The director of the RCN in Northern Ireland, Pat Cullen, said: “Today, nurses in Northern Ireland have spoken clearly and collectively on behalf of patients and the people of Northern Ireland. “Nurses are no longer willing to see patients being denied the health care services to which they are entitled. “The 3,000 nursing vacancies that currently exist within the health service are having a detrimental impact upon patient care and adding enormous pressure to the existing nursing workforce, who are doing everything they can to care for patients. “Nurses’ pay in Northern Ireland has fallen significantly behind the rest of the UK. “Not only is this completely unfair but it sends a strong message to nurses that they are not valued or respected by decision-makers and employers. “Equally importantly, it makes it difficult to recruit and retain the nurses that we desperately need to provide health … Continue reading →

Condolences have been expressed after the tragic death of a teenage girl in Larne. The 14-year-old girl died after going into the Inver River in Larne last night. Emergency services were scrambled after the incident, which had been reported around 10pm. The police helicopter, search crews and ambulance crews were all involved in the emergency operation to try and find her. This morning a PSNI spokesman said: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a 14-year-old girl at the Inver River area of Larne last night, Tuesday, 26 November. “A post mortem is due to take place and enquiries are continuing. “There are no further details at this stage.” Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Mayor, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of the young girl who died in a tragic incident in Larne last night. “To … Continue reading →