Menu
10/12/2003
Teenage viewpoint on NI healthcare wanted
Adolescents were today urged to share their views on teenage healthcare in Northern Ireland with the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Nigel Williams.
Speaking at the QUB nurses' winter graduation, the Commissioner said he wanted to hear views and experiences especially from young people themselves and also from their families and professionals within the different parts of the health service.
Mr Williams said: "I would encourage you all to share your own experiences with me then I will be able to build up a better picture of what the issues are. Later next year, I can decide whether I need a more detailed investigation of some kind.
"There is a clear gap in provision for adolescents in mental health. Teenagers with eating disorders or with serious psychiatric problems have very few dedicated facilities in Northern Ireland. As a result, if they need to be admitted to hospital they will end up on general wards, with adults some quite elderly with a range of problems,'' he said.
The Commissioner welcomed current work being undertaken by the Government in their review of mental health services.
"I commend the work already done in improving gaps in teenage healthcare. There is a special unit for adolescents at the Ulster Hospital, and a psychiatric unit for teenagers in south Belfast.
"Voluntary agencies in this field are working on issues like sexual health, risk taking behaviour and mental health. But the message I as receiving is that the situation is patchy, there are gaps and that our teenagers are suffering as a result."
(MB)
Speaking at the QUB nurses' winter graduation, the Commissioner said he wanted to hear views and experiences especially from young people themselves and also from their families and professionals within the different parts of the health service.
Mr Williams said: "I would encourage you all to share your own experiences with me then I will be able to build up a better picture of what the issues are. Later next year, I can decide whether I need a more detailed investigation of some kind.
"There is a clear gap in provision for adolescents in mental health. Teenagers with eating disorders or with serious psychiatric problems have very few dedicated facilities in Northern Ireland. As a result, if they need to be admitted to hospital they will end up on general wards, with adults some quite elderly with a range of problems,'' he said.
The Commissioner welcomed current work being undertaken by the Government in their review of mental health services.
"I commend the work already done in improving gaps in teenage healthcare. There is a special unit for adolescents at the Ulster Hospital, and a psychiatric unit for teenagers in south Belfast.
"Voluntary agencies in this field are working on issues like sexual health, risk taking behaviour and mental health. But the message I as receiving is that the situation is patchy, there are gaps and that our teenagers are suffering as a result."
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 October 2004
Conference tackles 'sexually transmitted infections' problems
A major conference, aimed at increasing awareness of sexually transmitted infections, has highlighted the increasingly poor levels of sexual health in Northern Ireland. Speakers from across the UK attended today’s conference, ‘Sexually Transmitted Infections – Addressing the Agenda in Northern Ireland’, in the Holiday Inn, Belfast.
Conference tackles 'sexually transmitted infections' problems
A major conference, aimed at increasing awareness of sexually transmitted infections, has highlighted the increasingly poor levels of sexual health in Northern Ireland. Speakers from across the UK attended today’s conference, ‘Sexually Transmitted Infections – Addressing the Agenda in Northern Ireland’, in the Holiday Inn, Belfast.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
26 September 2023
Teenage Boys Arrested After Trying To Break Into Vehicles
Two teenage boys have been arrested by detectives investigating multiple reports of suspicious individuals tampering with parked vehicles and one report of theft in the Lord Warden's area of Bangor on Saturday 23rd September.
Teenage Boys Arrested After Trying To Break Into Vehicles
Two teenage boys have been arrested by detectives investigating multiple reports of suspicious individuals tampering with parked vehicles and one report of theft in the Lord Warden's area of Bangor on Saturday 23rd September.
25 September 2023
Teenagers Arrested After Gliders Attacked With Fireworks
Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection anti-social behaviour and firework incidents in the Stewartstown Road area of west Belfast. On 19 September, it was reported to police that a firework had been thrown onto a Glider bus around 9.45pm on Sunday, September 10.
Teenagers Arrested After Gliders Attacked With Fireworks
Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection anti-social behaviour and firework incidents in the Stewartstown Road area of west Belfast. On 19 September, it was reported to police that a firework had been thrown onto a Glider bus around 9.45pm on Sunday, September 10.
30 August 2022
Two Teenage Boys Die In Drowning Incident
Two 16-year-old boys have died in a drowning incident after getting to difficulty on Lough Enagh, L'Derry. Emergency services were called to Temple Road at around 6.30pm on Monday. One of the boys was taken from the water and rushed to hospital, however he was later pronounced dead. The second boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two Teenage Boys Die In Drowning Incident
Two 16-year-old boys have died in a drowning incident after getting to difficulty on Lough Enagh, L'Derry. Emergency services were called to Temple Road at around 6.30pm on Monday. One of the boys was taken from the water and rushed to hospital, however he was later pronounced dead. The second boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
