Other News In Brief

Question Remains Over NI Air Ambulance - Alliance

The Alliance Party there is still a question remaining over an air amubulance for Northern Ireland.

MLA Stewart Dickson: "The news is certainly welcome and tribute to the late Dr John Hinds, who had long campaigned for this move.

"However, I would ask the Health Minister to clarify where exactly an air ambulance is supposed to land. As things stand, the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) does not use its helipad to receive medical cases. It would entail the helicopter landing at Musgrave Park Hospital, then the patient being transferred by traditional ambulance to the RVH.

"Along with an issue over where ongoing funding will come from, it is clear it is not just a simple matter but rather one in which more details are needed."

Consultation Starts On New Stadium At Casement Park

The GAA has started a consultation into the new stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast.

The GAA confirmed it is holding a two tier consultation process into the development of a new stadium.

Sinn Féin MLA Rosie McCorley welcomed the announcement.

She said: "I am particularly pleased that the GAA will be engaging in a 20 week community consultation as it is important that we proceed with the needs and views of the community at the heart of all decisions eventually taken.

"The new state-of-the-art stadium has the potential to be an economic driver for West Belfast, and the GAA has a proven record in delivering sporting and cultural activities which contribute to the local economy."

Dementia Programme To Continue

Health Minister Simon Hamilton has confirmed that the Delivering Social Change Dementia Signature Programme, Dementia Together NI, will continue.

The Minister said: "It is important that I provide support and clarity to existing projects that aim to improve dementia services in Northern Ireland. The Dementia Signature Programme, being taken forward by my Department as part of the Delivering Social Change framework, is one such project."

The Delivering Social Change programme aims to raise awareness, information and support for people living with a dementia; deliver training and development for those in the caring professions, both formally and informally; and provide respite, short breaks and support for carers.

(CD)