Other News In Brief

Improvement Strategy Needed For Women's Healthcare

A strategy is needed to improve women's healthcare outcomes, which should include cervical cancer screening services, Alliance Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said.

Her comments come after the BBC revealed that three abnormal smears test were missed in the care of a 45-year-old woman by the Southern and Western Trusts between 2011 and 2017. The patient underwent a radical hysterectomy after a test in 2019 found cancer cancerous cells.

Ms Bradshaw said: "Smear testing, whilst unpleasant, is essential to preventing cervical cancer, early diagnosis, and ultimately, saving the lives of women, and patients should rightly expect the screening process to be rigorous.

"My heart goes out to the woman who has been severely impacted by these missed opportunities, as well as the other women who have been picked up by the review process. It is essential that all Trusts complete these audits and get on top of this backlog of unchecked smear tests.

"Women deserve better, and we need a restored Executive to prioritise a women's health strategy to improve health outcomes. Such a strategy should focus on earlier cancer screening, resourcing for investigative diagnostics and clinics where women can access smear testing alongside menopause, maternity and fertility services. We also need to see improved auditing procedures, so that we have the data required to make meaningful health interventions.

"I hope that the experience of this patient will not deter other women from attending appointments for cervical screening, and would urge all women to take a smear test when offered."

SF Criticised Pubic Transport Fare Increase During Cost-Of-Living Crisis

Sinn Féin have criticised the decision to increase bus and train fares during a cost-of-living crisis.

The Newry and Armagh MLA and infrastructure spokesperson, Cathal Boylan, said: "The Tory decision to increase fares in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis will hit hard-pressed workers and families and is in stark contrast to the freezing of fares by then Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd only months ago.

"It is vital that we invest in our public transport to improve connectivity, keep fares affordable and help tackle the climate emergency.

"Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today, to work together, and support workers and families against Tory cuts to public services and hikes in the cost of essential services."

Appeal For Information On Dungiven Cash Machine Robbery

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following the theft of a cash machine from a filling station on the Feeny Road in the Dungiven area in the early hours of Monday, 6th February

Detective Inspector Finlay said: "This was reported to us on Wednesday (08 February) and at this stage we believe that a number of masked men broke into the side door of the cash machine at around 12.25am on Monday before making off 10 minutes later, at approximately 12.35am.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area between around this time and saw what happened, or who has information which could assist our investigation to call us on 101 and quoting reference 555 08/02/23."

Alternatively, information can also be provided by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.