Poots Urges Help For Filipino Health Workers

Health Minister Edwin Poots has urged those in Health and Social Care (HSC) and independent healthcare sectors to be proactive and support co-workers who have families directly affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of "national calamity", after 10,000 people are thought to have been killed by Typhoon Haiyan.

The storm hit the country's coastal provinces of Leyte and Samar on Friday.

Filipinos are among the most common migrant workers in health services across Ireland.

The Health Minister has appealed to the sector to help provide any practical assistance such as counselling or extraordinary leave that may be required.

He said: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and extensive damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the millions of people affected by this devastating storm.

"We have a duty of care to provide support and practical assistance to the Philippino community in NI who have helped sustain healthcare here over the last number of years. Without their commitment and dedication many services would not have been sustainable.

"To have family members affected by this natural disaster so far away must be very distressing. I know that many people from Northern Ireland will want to show their support to the people of the Philippines and I would urge all staff within the HSC and independent sectors to proactively support their co-workers who are directly affected at this time."

(IT/CD)