Other News In Brief

Deadline Reminder for Neurology Patient Review Applications

The Department of Health has reminded families that the deadline for applying to have their deceased relative's clinical records reviewed is December 31st, 2024.

In July 2024, the Health Minister announced a third phase of the Neurology Deceased Patient Review, which will involve 18 families.

Families who wish to have their loved one's records reviewed should contact the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) before the end of the year.

The RQIA will engage with any affected family who makes contact by this date. Following this process, the Department of Health and the RQIA will clarify next steps for this stage of the Neurology Deceased Patients' Review.

Families can contact the RQIA by:

• Freephone number 0800 052 0012 between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, to speak to a member of the Family Liaison Team;

• Emailing an enquiry to: expert.review@rqia.org.uk; or

• Filling in an online form on the RQIA website and a member of staff will be in touch.

The RQIA Family Liaison Team will engage with families to understand: their wishes, needs and concerns; whether their deceased relative's case is likely to fall within the scope of the Expert Review of Records of Deceased Patients; and to provide information on the Expert Review of Records of Deceased Patients to date. The Family Liaison Team will ensure that families interested in participating in a clinical record review process, are fully informed about the nature of the process, the potential benefits, and the potential for adverse impact. The RQIA will identify families who wish to proceed with a clinical record review process, will remain in regular contact with families and will ensure families are aware of how to access counselling and advocacy support.

SOLA Scheme Extended to Support Victims of Sexual Offences

The Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLA) scheme, which provides free legal advice and advocacy to victims of serious sexual offences, has been extended for two years.

Justice Minister Naomi Long announced the extension of the scheme, which was a key recommendation of the Gillen Review. The scheme aims to support victims, reduce case attrition, and increase confidence in the criminal justice system.

The SOLA scheme has already helped over 2,000 adult victims, and a similar service for child victims is expected to launch in January 2025.

Victim support organisations, such as Victim Support NI, Nexus, and the NSPCC, have welcomed the extension of the SOLA scheme and the introduction of the Children's SOLA service. They believe these initiatives will significantly improve the experience of victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

Foyle MLA Calls for More Support for Women’s Aid

SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has called on the Executive to increase funding for frontline services dealing with violence against women and girls.

The call comes after Women’s Aid released its annual report, which revealed a significant increase in referrals.

McLaughlin expressed concern about the impact of underfunding on services like Women’s Aid, stating that they are operating at capacity and struggling to meet the needs of victims.

She urged the Executive to take responsibility for the issue and invest in prevention, education, and justice system reforms.

The MLA also encouraged victims of abuse to seek help and not suffer in silence.