Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming over £22,000 in benefits she was not entitled to at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Angela Black claimed Income Support and Carers Allowance totalling £22,041 while failing to declare employment. She was given a six month prison sentence suspended for two years. The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.

Resurfacing Work Complete In Portadown

Resurfacing work has been completed in Edward Street in Portadown.

The road has been re-opened to two-way through traffic.

The Department of Infrastructure has warned road users and pedestrians to remain attentive as the changes may be unfamiliar at first.

Parking legislation for the street is being brought forward in the coming months but as an interim measure, parking restrictions will be in place and enforced to facilitate road safety and traffic progression.

Alliance Supports New Nursing Framework

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has endorsed a new District Nursing Framework which will see nursing care available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The South Belfast MLA said she welcomed the Northern Ireland launch of the Nursing Now campaign, which is designed to ensure everyone has access to nursing care wherever they need it.

"This comes with the endorsement of the World Health Organisation and the International Council for Nurses, and fits perfectly with our own overall health and social care transformation programme here in Northern Ireland.

"The Framework focuses on the patient and takes a broader 'population health' approach, which enable staff to be better supported and patients to be better and more appropriately cared for as soon as they access the service."

(CD/MH)