GPs Want Better Input

Larne GP Dr Brian Dunn has highlighted the need for better commissioning of services in Northern Ireland. Speaking at a conference of family doctors in London today, Dr Dunn said: "We have welcomed the appointment of Mr Edwin Poots as health Minister and look forward to working constructively with him to ensure the best possible care for our patients. One major issue Minister Poots will have to address at an early stage is whether or not he will introduce GP-led commissioning. It is our opinion that there has been no needs-based commissioning of health services; rather Trusts have been given huge sums of money in the hope of getting the same outcomes as last year." Dr Dunn continued: "Indeed we know that Northern Ireland spends £22 more per head of population in secondary care compared to England, yet health outcomes do not appear to be significantly better. We need local commissioning of health services with decisions made and contracts for service delivery based on the needs of people, resulting in better care."

Lonely Death Lady Named

The PSNI has identified the human remains of a woman whose body was discovered among rubbish during the clearance of a house in the Village area in April. She was Julieann Watson, 37, whose last known address was in the area. A post mortem examination revealed that her body may have been in the vacant property in Donegall Avenue for over a year. In April, police said the cause of death was still unclear but there were no obvious signs of violence. See: Body Of Evidence

Justice 'All Ireland'

In the first meeting under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation on Criminal Justice Matters since the Assembly and Dáil elections in May, the NI Justice Minister and Irish Minister for Justice have signed a forensic services agreement during a meeting in Armagh. At the North-South ministerial building on Wednesday, Stormont's David Ford and Alan Shatter signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support cooperation between forensic science agencies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Lagan Contract 'A Breeze'

Lagan Construction has been awarded a £1m Wind Farm contract at Caherdowney in Milstreet, Co Cork. The project for Eco Wind Power involves the construction of four Enercon E90 turbine bases along with 1.2km of access roads and cable trenches, the design and construction of hard standings and a substation. Work on this three-month contract is due to commence in September 2011.

QUB Gets Praise

The NI Employment and Learning Minister, Dr. Stephen Farry, has acknowledged the key role Queen's University, belfast (QUB) plays in the 'knowledge economy'. During a visit to the university he was given a tour of the £50m McClay Library, the 'ANSIN' research hub in the School of Maths and Physics, and the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Gregson. Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: "The University has a proud tradition of academic excellence and plays a key role in today’s knowledge economy. I welcome the opportunity to visit Queen's today and see at first hand how funding provided by my Department continues to support the University in that role. The Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, which was established with over £18m investment from my Department, has become a by-word for cutting edge research which is socially and economically relevant to Northern Ireland and indeed, the world," he enthused.

Frauds Found Out

Five people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' Court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Leona Keenan (29) of Princes Dock Street, Belfast was given a 140 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £876. William Gallagher (64) of Serpentine Road, Newtownabbey was fined £200 and ordered to pay court costs of £31 for failing to declare capital while claiming Income Support totalling £2,634. Una Nolan (47) of Monagh Drive, Belfast was given two months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £34 for failing to declare employment while claiming Income Support totalling £15,337. Diane Rea (28) of Martinez Avenue, Belfast was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £42 for failing to declare employment while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £254 and Mary Flynn (52) of Torr Way, Finaghy was fined £350 and ordered to pay court costs of £31 for failing to declare capital while claiming Income Support totalling £12,233. All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(BMcC/GK)