Other News In Brief

NI's Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Made Honorary Professor of Practice

Queen's University Belfast has presented Northern Ireland's Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison with the title of Honorary Professor of Practice.

Professor Harrison has received the honour in recognition of her significant leadership and sustained contribution to the development of pharmacy practice in Northern Ireland, as well as her active role in driving reforms to the education and training of future pharmacists.

Welcoming the announcement Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health Peter May said: "This award is a well-deserved acknowledgement of outstanding leadership that Professor Cathy Harrison has provided as the senior professional advisor to the Department on pharmaceutical and medicines issues, as well as to the HSC and wider pharmacy profession.

"Cathy's assured leadership of the pharmacy profession has been particularly welcome during recent years as the HSC has addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and her contribution to maintaining the supply of essential medicines to Northern Ireland following the UK's exit from the European Union has been detailed and hugely important."

Professor Colin McCoy, Head of the School of Pharmacy at Queen's added: "We're very pleased that Cathy's ongoing contribution to the evolution of the pharmacy profession has been recognised in this way. This is a time of rapid change for pharmacy education, and our close ties and her impactful leadership will be vital to implementing that change.

Professor Cathy Harrison said: "I am delighted to receive this accolade from Queen's University Belfast, one of the leading academic centres for pharmacy teaching and research in the world. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the University over the coming years as major educational reforms are implemented that will prepare future pharmacists for increasingly clinical roles in a fast-changing healthcare environment."

SDLP Welcomes Review Of Gynaecology Services

The SDLP has welcomed the announcement of a new rapid and independent review of gynaecology services, with Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin stating that it further underlines the need for a Women's Health Strategy.

Ms McLaughlin said: "I am pleased that the Department of Health seems to have woken up to the urgent crisis faced by women when it comes to accessing their healthcare. Since becoming an MLA, I have consistently made the case to the department that the current system is broken and failing to deliver for women across Northern Ireland.

"Gynaecological health, in particular, is still subject to an unacceptable stigma and taboo and waiting lists are just inexcusable, particularly for conditions like endometriosis. Women have told me that they have found it almost impossible to receive a diagnosis and that even once diagnosed, they often wait in agony for years before accessing treatment. There has been an abject failure for many years to recognise the impact of these issues and resource our services appropriately as a result.

"The review announced this morning is long overdue and I am pleased that it seems that it will be conducted in a time-limited and focused way. However, I know many women will be concerned that the report that emerges from this review will be left to gather dust on a shelf. I will continue to advocate for a Women's Health Strategy that is fully resourced so we can break down all the barriers that women face when it comes to accessing their healthcare. Every other part of these islands has put together a plan to tackle these inequalities that women face. Women in Northern Ireland deserve no less."

Alliance Calls For Immediate End Of A5 Upgrade Delays

Alliance has called for the immediate end of delays on the delivery of the much-needed A5 upgrade, following a session of the A5 public inquiry.

Omagh Councillor Stephen Donnelly said: "Today, people across West Tyrone gathered in Omagh to say loudly and clearly: enough is enough. Our region deserves safe and proper infrastructure. That starts with the A5 upgrade."

"The testimony we heard from bereaved families during today’s session of the public inquiry was utterly devastating. Communities and families have been torn apart by the loss inflicted as a result of the failure to deliver this project. I would also like to thank Tyrone GAA for spearheading the latest civic initiative to provide our local community with the platform to make their voice heard.

"There has been enough dither and delay. It is long past time that we moved to delivery, and Alliance will continue to push the Department for Infrastructure to ensure we get this crucial upgrade across the line."