Health Campaigners Reject Trust's Position On Reforms
The Statement
“The Down Community Health Committee is in no way surprised at the decision of the Ulster Unionist Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, to approve the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust’s proposals to downgrade Accident & Emergency services at the Downe Hospital and transfer acute psychiatric services to the Nothern Ireland Executive’s beloved city of Lisburn, on the fringes of Belfast.
Trust Update On Reform and Modernisation Proposals
Statement form Hugh McCaughey, South Eastern HSC Trust Chief Executive
“Following the Trust Board meeting on 24th November 2010 our proposals were supported by the Health and Social Care Board and submitted to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. I can now advise that the DHSSPS has approved our plans and I want to take this opportunity to bring people up to date with regards to how our reform and modernisation proposals will be implemented. There is some urgency about taking forward the proposals for the Emergency Department at the Downe and we would hope to implement these in April this year.xa0 The changes to mental health and disability services require capital development and the timescale is likely to be 18 months to two years.
Trust's Recruitment Procedures For A&E Doctors Challenged
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xt33v (last three days available on the iPlayer xa0- 4/5 ths through the programme.)
NIHE Tenants Face Marginal Rent Increase
The increase in next year’s rent for NIHE tenants will only be less than £2. This rise is below the cost of inflation and is bucking the trend compared to England where rent is much higher.
Social Development MInisterxa0Attwood on striking the NIHE rents below the inflation rate hasxa0indicated that thexa0average weekly rent increase for tenants will be 3.75%, well below the 4.8% inflation rate.
This compares with an above inflation rise in England, where rents will go up by a figure which is 80% more than that being applied now in Northern Ireland, and well above the rate of inflation.
Alex Attwood said, “There is a compelling reason to keep rent increases below the rate of inflation. The cost of living, the rate of inflation, rise in commodity and oil prices and all the other prevailing economic conditions means that keeping rent increases lower is essential.
“A key priority for me is protecting the most vulnerable in society. Keeping rent increases well below the rate of inflation will help do that, especially in tough economic times, where every penny counts for households.”
Close to 80% of Housing Executive tenants have their rent paid in full or in part by Housing Benefit. For those who do pay their rent, this decision should help families and individuals in the future.
]]>Ballynahinch United v Larne And Club Notes
INTERMEDIATE CUP – ROUND 4
BALLYNAHINCH UNITED xa0 1 xa0 LARNE FC xa0 3
United’s Intermediate Cup run came to an end on Saturday against a strong Larne FC team managed by former Glentoran manager Paul Millar who also enjoyed a distinguished Irish and Football League playing career.
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