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Community Government Health Politics Stormont

Swann Sets out Priorities to Health Committee

Health Minister Robin Swann has told MLAs that health and social care services can be turned around “with the right combination of ambition, funding and joined up political leadership.” The Minister also reiterated his warnings about the year ahead being largely about “damage limitation” due to severe budgetary constraints. Mr Swann met with the Northern […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Kimmins Welcomes Discussions on Junior Doctors Pay

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed news that the health minister and trade unions are in discussions over fair pay for junior doctors.  The party’s health spokesperson said: “It is welcome that the health minister and trade unions are in discussions to reach an agreement on a fair pay increase for junior doctors.  “Our […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Cost of Living Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

Affordable Childcare Can Address Growing Levels of Child Poverty – Mason

Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said delivering quality and affordable childcare can help address the growing levels of child poverty. Reacting to the Comptroller & Auditor General’s report on child poverty, the party’s childcare spokesperson said: “This report has again reinforced the need to tackle the growing levels of child poverty in the north. […]

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Community Constituency Downpatrick Government Health Politics South Down Stormont

SDLP Opposition Forces Vote on Extension of Coronavirus Powers

SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has welcomed an Assembly vote rejecting an extension to coronavirus powers. The SDLP Opposition forced a division on the issue, with a majority voting against an extension. South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “During the coronavirus pandemic we were forced to take quick decisions that severely limited the public’s […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Kimmins Backs Call for Greater North-South Cancer Care Cooperation

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has backed calls for greater cooperation in cancer care north and south. The party’s health spokesperson said: “To improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life, we must utilise all tools available in the fight against cancer. This includes greater north-south cooperation. “An all-island approach would not only improve cancer […]

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Community Government Health Politics Stormont

UNISON Encourages Members to Vote Yes on Pay Offer

Statement from UNISON on the recent pay offer. We are encouraging our members to vote YES to finally see PAY PARITY RESTORED! It has been a long hard fight – and our work is FAR from over – but members deserve to see a reward for all their work in getting us this far! ALSO! IMPORTANT […]

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Community Constituency Council Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh NMD Council

Smear Test Review Must Be Concluded Urgently – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has urged the Southern Health Trust to conclude the outstanding smear test review urgently. The party’s health spokesperson said: “It is worrying that there are still around 11,000 women’s smear tests yet to be re-checked as part of the review of cervical screening. “This is unacceptable and again demonstrates women’s […]

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Community Constituency Craigavon Health Upper Bann

Trust Heart Failure Nurse Shortlisted For Award

A nurse in the Southern Trust has been shortlisted for a top award. Edith Donnelly, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner within the Heart Failure team, is the only nurse from Northern Ireland nominated in the Irish Nurses Cardiovascular Association (INCA) Cardiovascular Nurse Excellence Awards. Edith is one of eight people shortlisted and was nominated by colleagues […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Stormont

50 New Medical Places Great News For Aspiring Doctors – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said confirmation that the Irish government will fund 50 places for medical students at Queen’s University is exciting news for aspiring doctors. The party’s health spokesperson said: “It is fantastic news that the Irish government will fund 50 places for medical students at Queen’s University, with the first 25 students starting […]

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Community Government Health Stormont

Proven Success of General Practice Pharmacy Paves The Way For Ambitious Future Plans

The Department of Health has published a strategy for future development of the General Practice Pharmacy sector following positive evaluation of its benefits. “GPP NI 2030: A strategy for General Practice Pharmacy in Northern Ireland” sets out ambitious plans for the further development of the sector, building upon the success demonstrated by a full evaluation […]

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Campaigns Community Constituency Daisy Hill Government Health Newry Newry and Armagh Politics Stormont

Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Care Package Backlog – Kimmins

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said that urgent action is needed to tackle the backlog of patients waiting for a domiciliary care package.  The Sinn Féin health spokesperson was reacting to news that over 700 patients in the Southern Trust area were waiting for care packages. Liz said: “The news that over 700 patients […]

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Community Constituency Government Health Infrastructure Lurgan Politics Stormont Upper Bann

Infrastructure Minister Meets Mental Health Champion

Infrastructure Minister has met the Mental Health Champion Professor Siobhan O’Neill and discussed how he can support mental health initiatives. Speaking after the meeting John O’Dowd said: “This was a productive meeting where I renewed my commitment to supporting Professor O’Neill in her work.  Infrastructure has an important role to play in terms of improving mental health, […]