Other News In Brief

Cardiovascular Framework Revised

Health Minister Edwin Poots has said a revised framework will further improve services for people who suffer from cardiovascular disease.
 The Minister was speaking as he launched a public consultation on the revised Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing. The original framework was launched in 2009 and has now been reviewed. The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) has also appraised the implementation of the Framework.

Service frameworks aim to improve health and social care outcomes, reduce inequalities in health and social wellbeing, and improve service access and delivery. They set out the standards of care that patients, clients, carers and families can expect to receive.

The Minister said: "The Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing has lead to a number of improvements in the quality of care that the people of Northern Ireland receive. This was evidenced by the RQIA review of implementation. However, cardiovascular diseases continue to be one of the largest causes of ill health in Northern Ireland and we must carry on the momentum to further improve services."

Funding Approved For Resource Centre In Enniskillen

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of over £416,000 for the Kilmacormick Resource Centre in Enniskillen. 
The funding will be used to cover the capital costs of the extension and refurbishment of Kilmacormick Resource Centre, and the cost of professional fees for an outside consultant to supervise the building works to completion stage.

The award has been made to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in Enniskillen who will manage the delivery of the entire project.

Mr McCausland said: "This project will provide real and significant benefits to residents in Enniskillen.

"The centre provides opportunities for residents to access a wide range of activities, including training schemes, health programmes and educational projects. The refurbishment work and substantial extension will enable an increase in its usage. This is good news for people in the Enniskillen Neighbourhood Renewal Area."

New Renewable Energy Applications To Be Published Monthly

The number of planning applications for renewable energy will now be published for the first time, on a monthly basis.

The provisional statistics will be issued in response to growing levels of public interest in this area, particularly with regard to single wind turbines and wind farms which have seen rapid increases in applications in recent years.

Alex Attwood said: "Renewable energy and technology is one of our single biggest economic opportunities. It has the potential to be a significant driver of our economy. I welcome the fact that these are going to be monthly updates on the number of renewable energy planning applications.

"In the last 10 years we have seen a 27-fold increase in renewable energy applications. Over the past two years, my Department has received a large number of queries seeking information about planning applications for all types of renewable energy. In the face of strong and continuing interest from elected representatives and the public in planning application for renewable energy proposals, I have today introduced a new statistical service on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal dedicated to providing up-to-date information on planning applications for renewable energy proposals.

"Northern Ireland has set a goal to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. The imperative to achieve this target and develop the industry at the same time has great appeal. Wind Energy already makes a significant contribution toward meeting these important targets. Its role is set to increase as existing approved developments are constructed and commissioned and others receive consent."

(CD)