Menu
16/11/2010
USA Training For Medics 'Exposed'
A newspaper exposé of costly foreign travel undertaken by senior managers in the NI Health Service has provoked a response by the Stormont Minister responsible.
Commenting on the costs of overseas training programmes for Health and Social Care staff in Northern Ireland, the Minister, Michael McGimpsey, (pictured) said: "Each year adverse events in hospitals and other healthcare settings cost the NHS across the UK around £3.5bn.
"It is widely acknowledged that such incidents occur in 10% of hospital admissions and at least half of these are preventable.
"Over the last few years, a small number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lead officers with responsibility for patient safety have attended courses in the USA run by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
"The IHI is a world leader in helping healthcare organisations from all over the world improve safety and care standards for patients," he said, noting that these specialist courses are "not available in the UK or Republic of Ireland".
Regarding the Irish News coverage, the Minister said: "Staff who attend these courses come back and train other staff to make a real and significant difference to patient care and safety.
"For example there has been a 54% reduction in surgical site infections for orthopaedics saving an estimated £2m," he explained.
However, he did add a caveat and said: "I have made it clear that overseas travel is not to take place unless it is absolutely essential and can demonstrate real benefits to patients."
(BMcC/GK)
Commenting on the costs of overseas training programmes for Health and Social Care staff in Northern Ireland, the Minister, Michael McGimpsey, (pictured) said: "Each year adverse events in hospitals and other healthcare settings cost the NHS across the UK around £3.5bn.
"It is widely acknowledged that such incidents occur in 10% of hospital admissions and at least half of these are preventable.
"Over the last few years, a small number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and lead officers with responsibility for patient safety have attended courses in the USA run by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
"The IHI is a world leader in helping healthcare organisations from all over the world improve safety and care standards for patients," he said, noting that these specialist courses are "not available in the UK or Republic of Ireland".
Regarding the Irish News coverage, the Minister said: "Staff who attend these courses come back and train other staff to make a real and significant difference to patient care and safety.
"For example there has been a 54% reduction in surgical site infections for orthopaedics saving an estimated £2m," he explained.
However, he did add a caveat and said: "I have made it clear that overseas travel is not to take place unless it is absolutely essential and can demonstrate real benefits to patients."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2024
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
Health Minister Encourages Use Of My Care Patient Portal
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging people to sign up for the My Care patient portal, which provides access to digital medical records. The My Care portal allows patients and service users to view their healthcare information through an app or web browser on their digital devices.
26 August 2022
NI Nursing Staff To Be Balloted On Strike Action
Nursing staff in Northern Ireland are to be balloted alongside their colleagues across the UK on potential strike action. Nursing staff in Northern Ireland will join colleagues across the UK as the RCN ballots members on strike action. The ballot is being launched in response to NHS pay awards in England and Wales, and an NHS pay offer in Scotland.
NI Nursing Staff To Be Balloted On Strike Action
Nursing staff in Northern Ireland are to be balloted alongside their colleagues across the UK on potential strike action. Nursing staff in Northern Ireland will join colleagues across the UK as the RCN ballots members on strike action. The ballot is being launched in response to NHS pay awards in England and Wales, and an NHS pay offer in Scotland.
24 November 2010
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
Call For More NHS Domestics
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety is being made today by the trade union UNISON.
28 April 2023
Budgetary Turmoil Compromising Patient Safety – UUP
The ongoing budgetary turmoil is compromising patient safety and ultimately likely to cost patient lives, Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has warned. He was speaking after the Department of Health received only a flat cash budget allocation.
Budgetary Turmoil Compromising Patient Safety – UUP
The ongoing budgetary turmoil is compromising patient safety and ultimately likely to cost patient lives, Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has warned. He was speaking after the Department of Health received only a flat cash budget allocation.
07 July 2010
Cuts Put Nurses' Frontline Role In Peril
There has been a stark warning sounded today over the impact of the Department of Health's recently announced 2% cut in the Health and Social Care pay bill.
Cuts Put Nurses' Frontline Role In Peril
There has been a stark warning sounded today over the impact of the Department of Health's recently announced 2% cut in the Health and Social Care pay bill.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
