Menu
26/11/2012
Call For H&S Action Plan At Altnagelvin Hospital
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has expressed deep concern at the possibility that health and safety concerns around the Altnagelvin Hospital tower block which caught fire tonight were not immediately acted on and has called for an immediate inspection.
He was speaking after receiving information that Health Trust representatives had been worried about the block for some time.
Mr Ramsey said: "We had a serious situation which affected the lives of dozens of patients who expect their safety to be of paramount importance while they are being treated.
"First and foremost, I cannot commend highly enough not just the emergency services and Translink, but all the hospital staff, along with off-duty colleagues who reacted swiftly and came to assist with the mammoth task of evacuating over 120 patients – some in beds, others in wheelchairs – and doing so calmly and in a way that calmed those in their care.
"However, it has come to my attention that concerns had been expressed for some time about the safety of the tower block which caught light.
"Indeed the chair of the Trust said in an interview that old buildings such as this bring with them serious fire risks.
"After the massive disruption, it is imperative that the Health Minister, hospital senior management, the Trust and the Health and Safety Executive immediately launch an inspection of the building and rapidly draw up an action plan to assure the public that they will be safe in the hospital wards.
"We cannot play fast and loose with the lives of people already suffering illness or injury."
(CD)
He was speaking after receiving information that Health Trust representatives had been worried about the block for some time.
Mr Ramsey said: "We had a serious situation which affected the lives of dozens of patients who expect their safety to be of paramount importance while they are being treated.
"First and foremost, I cannot commend highly enough not just the emergency services and Translink, but all the hospital staff, along with off-duty colleagues who reacted swiftly and came to assist with the mammoth task of evacuating over 120 patients – some in beds, others in wheelchairs – and doing so calmly and in a way that calmed those in their care.
"However, it has come to my attention that concerns had been expressed for some time about the safety of the tower block which caught light.
"Indeed the chair of the Trust said in an interview that old buildings such as this bring with them serious fire risks.
"After the massive disruption, it is imperative that the Health Minister, hospital senior management, the Trust and the Health and Safety Executive immediately launch an inspection of the building and rapidly draw up an action plan to assure the public that they will be safe in the hospital wards.
"We cannot play fast and loose with the lives of people already suffering illness or injury."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils Hospital Reconfiguration Framework
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new framework aimed at reconfiguring hospitals across Northern Ireland to create a more sustainable and efficient network of care. The document, titled 'Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes', outlines the key principles that will guide the reorganisation of hospital services.
Health Minister Unveils Hospital Reconfiguration Framework
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new framework aimed at reconfiguring hospitals across Northern Ireland to create a more sustainable and efficient network of care. The document, titled 'Hospitals – Creating a Network for Better Outcomes', outlines the key principles that will guide the reorganisation of hospital services.
04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
06 October 2003
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
Ministers launch fire safety week
Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith, today jointly launched Fire Safety Week with her counterpart from Dublin, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister for Safety.
11 June 2002
Tyrone County hospital set to lose acute services
Local assembly members have expressed their concern over the proposal to remove acute and life saving emergency services from Tyrone County Hospital. The proposals, as recommended in the Hayes Report, are expected to be endorsed by the Health Minister Bairbre de Brún tomorrow in a consultation document.
Tyrone County hospital set to lose acute services
Local assembly members have expressed their concern over the proposal to remove acute and life saving emergency services from Tyrone County Hospital. The proposals, as recommended in the Hayes Report, are expected to be endorsed by the Health Minister Bairbre de Brún tomorrow in a consultation document.
15 June 2012
Poots Putting Brakes On Causeway Hospital Announcement - Dallat
SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has spoken of his dismay that an expected announcement on the future of the Causeway Hospital A & E Department, which was due to be made public at a meeting of the Northern Health Trust next Friday, has effectively been shelved on the instructions of the Health Minister Edwin Poots.
Poots Putting Brakes On Causeway Hospital Announcement - Dallat
SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has spoken of his dismay that an expected announcement on the future of the Causeway Hospital A & E Department, which was due to be made public at a meeting of the Northern Health Trust next Friday, has effectively been shelved on the instructions of the Health Minister Edwin Poots.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
