Other News In Briefs

Hospital Treats Amputee Victims Of Libyan Conflict

Health Minister Edwin Poots has confirmed that five adult amputee victims of the recent conflict in Libya have received treatment in Northern Ireland.
The Minister met the men during a visit yesterday to the Regional Disablement Centre (RDC), at Musgrave Park Hospital.

Mr Poots said: “Northern Ireland can be proud that it played its part in providing expert humanitarian medical aid and treatment to a number of adult amputee victims of the recent conflict in Libya. The programme of care they received, which was fully funded by the Libyan Government, demonstrates the high level of expertise and high quality services available in Northern Ireland.”

The initiative to accept and treat five Libyan patients in Northern Ireland is part of a UK-wide plan which has seen other Libyan nationals treated in England, Scotland and Wales. Their treatment costs will be met in full by the new Libyan government."

Ulster Unionists Call On Minister To Address Pressures At RVH A&E

The Ulster Unionist Party today brought a motion to the floor of the Assembly today in support of the Royal Victoria Hospital’s A&E Department.  The motion noted the UUP’s concern for the pressures that staff are currently working under and the impact this was having on both staff and patients.

Ulster Unionist Health spokesperson John McCallister said: “My Party and I are deeply concerned at the pressure currently being heaped on the Royal’s Accident and Emergency department by the number of admissions who do not need emergency medical attention. This is putting undue stress and pressure on the staff which is having a negative impact on both them and patients.

“While it is normal for the amount of admissions to A&E to vary significantly from day to day, the high figures attending the Royal over the last number of month has proved to be more than a blip and has exposed a fundamental breakdown in organisation.

“I would call on the Health Minister to review the Royal Victoria Hospital’s services immediately to ensure that the necessary amount of permanent staff are employed and are working effectively and efficiently so that the Accident and Emergency Department is running smoothly."

Crimestoppers Campaign To Tackle Metal Theft Launched

Justice Minister David Ford has today launched a new Crimestoppers campaign to tackle metal theft in Northern Ireland.

Figures show that in 2011 there were 669 recorded incidents of metal theft throughout Northern Ireland compared to 219 in 2007.

The campaign leaflet ‘Crush metal theft in your community' will be distributed by campaign partners including the PSNI, BT, Northern Ireland Electricity, Northern Ireland Water and the Housing Executive.

It points to the fact that theft of manhole covers, cables used for 999 calls and live electricity wiring puts everyone at risk.

(CD/GK)