'Integrated Health' In Focus

An award is to recognise outstanding achievements in the 'integrated health' sector.

NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has just announced his Department's support for the 2008 initiative, an award run by the Foundation for Integrated Health which champions an integrated approach to health.

Any organisation – whether a school, workplace, healthcare or community service - can apply if they take an approach focusing on the whole person providing an environment that helps users achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

The Minister said: "I welcome my Department's continuing support and sponsorship of the Northern Ireland category of the Integrated Health Award.

"I was very impressed by last year's entries and was delighted to present the inaugural award to the Little Orchids Nursery from Londonderry.

"The nursery provides invaluable support to parents of pre-school children with a range of special needs. I look forward to seeing further examples of excellent work in the applications this year and I would encourage people to enter for this award scheme.

"We want to ensure recipients of the award receive the recognition they deserve and help inspire others to set up integrated health projects to the benefit of the community," he said.

(BMcC/KMcA)