Other News In Brief

Call For 'Radical Reform' Of NIAS

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has renewed her call for a "radical reform" of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).

The South Belfast MLA was speaking after it was disclosed average waiting times had rose from 7.15 minutes to 10.17 minutes. The NIAS said its target of eight minutes was being missed because of the outdated system for categorising calls.

She said: "There are a number of issues throughout the NIAS, including attendance times, staff shortages and low morale due to stress, as well as gender-imbalance among the ranks. The service had its attendance times set in the 1970s, so there is a clear need for a root and branch review.

"NIAS staff do a superb job but are hamstrung by the outdated system under which they are operating. Any review must include an investigation into whether it is time for a medic to be on board those ambulances attending the most urgent cases, for example, head trauma caused by a road collision, to enable the patient to be provided with treatment upon arrival, as opposed to having to be transported back to an emergency department."

Hostel In L'Derry Re-Opens Following Refurb Work

A hostel in L'Derry has been officially re-opened following major refurbishment work.

The North West Methodist Mission Hostel provides temporary accommodation for almost 50 men.

The six move-on flats have recently undergone major refurbishments including new fitted kitchens, new furniture and the installation of mains gas.

The hostel has been designed to offer clients the support and training needed to develop and enhance independent living skills enabling them to secure long term tenancies within the local community.

Communities Minister Paul Givan said: "The North West Methodist Mission has been providing homeless services in Londonderry for over 80 years. It is a great pleasure to be in the city today to conduct the official opening of these impressive flats, marking another chapter in the Mission's dedicated work providing support to those experiencing homelessness.

"I have seen at first hand the homely and friendly atmosphere provided by Reverend Murray and his team in which the dignity and respect of the individual is paramount. I also applaud Apex for taking this refurbishment work forward. This work, combined with the ongoing funding provided through my Department's Supporting People Programme, will ensure that the Mission is able to continue providing essential services to those in need."

Minister Urged To Help People With Eating Disorders

SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has called for the Health Minister to make a greater effort on helping those with eating disorders after it emerged that the number of new patients presenting with such disorders has grown dramatically every year for the past three years. The figures were released following an Assembly question from Mr Durkan to the Health Minister.

He said: "This increase is deeply regrettable and something that should set off warning alarms within the Department of Health. It must be noted that the Minister’s response shows the number of new people receiving treatment each year and does not detail the total number of people struggling with eating disorder.

"I was shocked that the department were unable to detail the gender breakdown in these figures given that eating disorders can affect men and women in different ways and this should be a consideration when developing a plan. We must also examine the age range of those affected.

"A strategy to roll back this sad increase must form part of the Minister's overarching mental health strategy. A specialist unit for more severe cases should be on the table as should increasing support for patients and their families."

(CD)