Other News In Brief

Alliance Calls For Implementation Of 'Housing For All' Programme

The Department for Communities (DFC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been urged to ensure that the 'Housing for All' Shared Housing Programme is properly resourced and reviewed to ensure it is fit for purpose, with Alliance Housing Spokesperson, Kellie Armstrong MLA, stating that it is a vehicle to promote community cohesion.

The Strangford MLA said: "The 'Housing for All' Shared Housing Programme, which aims to tackle barriers that prevent individuals from opting to live in shared neighbourhoods, emerged from the Executive's Together: Building a United Community Strategy which is now nearly ten years old. Given the recent publication of the draft Programme for Government, containing a cross-cutting theme of peace and a priority for safer communities, shared housing cannot be left behind.

"Building on this year's Good Relations Week theme of opportUNITY, shared housing is a vehicle to promote community cohesion and to break down barriers. However, we must ensure that it reflects Northern Ireland today, and go beyond old traditions by ensuring that shared housing is inclusive of everyone who wants to call Northern Ireland their home. I am calling on the DFC and the NIHE to ensure that the 'Housing for All' Shared Housing Programme is properly resourced and reviewed to ensure it is fit for purpose.

"Given the racially hate-motivated attacks and violence we saw over the summer, it is now more important than ever that we are building on the great work that has already been done by housing associations, community groups and the local community. We cannot neglect our responsibilities on building a shared society."

People Urged To Confirm Organ Donation Decision

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to confirm their decision to save lives this Organ Donation Week, 23 – 29 September.

The NHS Organ Donor Register has been saving and transforming lives for 30 years through the gift of organ donation.

The Register was set up to promote organ donation and allow people to record their decision to donate. Since its creation in 1994, thousands of lives have been saved thanks to people agreeing to donate their organs after death by confirming their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

However, more people than ever before are in need for a life-saving transplant across the UK, with more than 7,600 people on the active waiting list, including 155 in Northern Ireland – so it's vital that people confirm their organ donation decision to save lives.

55% (1,082,893) of people in Northern Ireland have already declared their decision to donate through the NHS Organ Donor Register, which is the best way for their family to know what they want. 9 out of 10 families will support organ donation if their loved one had confirmed their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. However, to donate organs after death, a person needs to die in hospital in specific circumstances. This applies to only 1 in every 100 people, highlighting how important every registration and family conversation is. With the recent law change around organ donation, it is important to remember that it is assumed that when someone dies in the circumstances where they could be a donor, that they agree to donate if they haven't officially opted out. However, no-one is automatically added to the Organ Donor Register. That's why everyone is encouraged to continue to confirm their decision, whatever it is, as their family will be consulted before donation goes ahead.

Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency explained: "Confirming your decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register makes it clear to your family that you want to be an organ donor, leaving them certain of your decision at what is a difficult and emotional time. We encourage people to confirm their decision on the register today in order to save more lives now and in the future."

Paddy McNamara from Bangor received a lifesaving double-lung transplant in March 2023. Reiterating the importance of organ donation he said: "When diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2018, even taking a breath, something we take for granted, was difficult. Now I am able to enjoy life again. I can say that without my donor and their family, I wouldn't be here today, I am very grateful."

Sue Duncalf, Regional Manager of the Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team, NHS Blood and Transplant commented: "Every day in the UK, thousands of patients and their families await a life-saving organ donation. This hope often arises from another family making the decision to donate. The Northern Ireland Organ Donation Services Team supports families through that difficult time and we know that when a loved ones' decision is known, it gives them the confidence to support that decision. And knowing that a loved one has helped to save lives can bring great comfort.

With growing numbers of people in need of transplants, it's crucial to confirm your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This Organ Donation Week, please take a moment to register and confirm your choice."

The Public Health Agency is co-ordinating a range of initiatives across Organ Donation Week, as well as supporting a national mountain climb challenge which will see Slieve Donard and 5 other peaks across the UK being turned pink simultaneously at 14.00 on Friday 27 September.

To find out more and confirm your decision, visit www.organdonationni.info.

Man Arested After Fleeing The Scene Of An Accident In Downpatrick

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a collision involving a beige coloured Audi A4 car on the Quoile Bridge in Downpatrick, shortly after 10.15pm, on Sunday 22nd September.

The car left the scene of this collision and a short time later sped through a police checkpoint on the Killyleagh Road. The police patrol followed in the direction the Audi had been travelling and came across the car on its roof, in a field off the Craigarusky Road, with no-one inside. A search of the area was conducted and one man was found in bushes nearby with injuries requiring hospital treatment. The man, aged 39, was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst unfit, driving with no insurance or licence and failing to stop, remain and report a collision. He has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be conducted. Further searches of the area were carried out as the original collision report stated that two males were travelling in the car but no other person was located. The Craigarusky Road has now re-opened.

Officers would ask anyone who saw the Audi car travelling in the Downpatrick area on Sunday evening or who has dash-cam footage which could assist with their enquiries to contact them in Newtownards on 101, quoting reference number 1763 22/09/24.