Other News In Brief

Sinn Fein Demand The Truth For Neurology Recall Patients

A Sinn Fein MLA has issued a statement advocating for patients affected by the ongoing neurology recall.

The party's health spokesperson Pat Sheehan said the patients are entitled to know the truth about the actions of Dr Michael Watt. Over 2,500 of his patients, including children, were called for case review last year amid concerns that some had been misdiagnosed.

The largest ever recall in Northern Ireland history, reports have emerged that it has been delayed until next year.

Mr Sheehan said the news will cause great concern among patients and the families of those involved.

"The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service hearing had been due to take place in June but may not happen until 2020," the west Belfast MLA said.

"Those involved and their families have repeatedly spoken of their frustration at not being kept up to date with information, often feeling they are the last to know. 

"All of those affected are entitled to information and truth and the Department of Health must ensure they are kept up to date at all stages."

Local NI Competitors Travel To Russia For WorldSkills

The globally renowned WorldSkills competition is set to get underway in Russia, with four Northern Ireland competitors making the trip for the event.

Taking place in Kazan from 22-27 August, WorldSkills is the largest international vocational skills competition with more than 70 countries and regions competing in 56 disciplines in a variety of skills areas including Engineering, Hospitality, Professional Services, Construction and Information Technology.

SERC Level 3 Plastering student Curtis Johnston joins teammates Conor McKevitt, Declan Porter and Shea McFerran to make up the Northern Ireland team. They will compete as part of the Team UK, which is made up of 37 of the very best apprentices and students from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Over 100,000 visitors are expected for the 45th WordSkills Finals, with the competition's Opening and Closing Cermonies broadcasting live on UK TV for the first time in its history.

Congratulating the local talent, Department for the Economy, Permanent Secretary, Noel Lavery said: "Making it onto the UK Team is the culmination of all the hard work, dedication, commitment and technical ability displayed by our four competitors. They should be extremely proud of their efforts and are a credit to their colleges and training providers. I am delighted that Northern Ireland is being represented by such talent. I wish each of them every success as they embark upon this exciting journey and I look forward to following their progress."

Public Warned Of Tick Bites & Lyme Disease

The public are being reminded to protect themselves against the risk of tick bites which can often result in Lyme disease.

Ticks carrying the disease can transmit it to humans through their bite, and no vaccines against the bacterial infection currently exist.

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures, which feed on the blood of animals and sometimes people. Anyone involved in outdoor activities which in the countryside, parks, or gardens with wildlife such as squirrels and hedgehogs may be at risk of tick bites.

The earliest and most common symptom of Lyme disease is a pink or red circular rash that develops around the area of the bite, three to 30 days after someone is bitten.

The rash is often described as looking like a bullseye on a dartboard. 

Infected people may also experience flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, headaches and muscle or joint pain.



(JG/CM)