Menu
27/11/2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast.
Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: "It's clear that there are mounting questions around lengthy delays and spiralling costs at the new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. It has been disclosed that pseudomonas contamination has played a part in these delays, but that does not explain how the initial costs have more than doubled and that this hospital may not open until 2030 or beyond.
"The Assembly's Health Committee recently received an update on this project from the Department of Health and the Belfast Trust and afterwards I was left with more questions than answers. At a time when our health budget is facing extreme pressure, we need clarity on how this has been allowed to happen and what efforts are being made to get it under control.
"The only way we can get to the bottom of this with openness and transparency is through a full independent inquiry. From the outset of this project we have had Health Ministers from the DUP, Sinn Féin and the UUP and I have no faith in this Executive's ability to mark their own homework."
Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: "It's clear that there are mounting questions around lengthy delays and spiralling costs at the new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. It has been disclosed that pseudomonas contamination has played a part in these delays, but that does not explain how the initial costs have more than doubled and that this hospital may not open until 2030 or beyond.
"The only way we can get to the bottom of this with openness and transparency is through a full independent inquiry. From the outset of this project we have had Health Ministers from the DUP, Sinn Féin and the UUP and I have no faith in this Executive's ability to mark their own homework."
Latest Northern Ireland News
27 November 2024
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
27 November 2024
New Plan Aims To Tackle Substance Use In NI
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new strategic plan to improve substance use services across Northern Ireland. The Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan 2024-2028 outlines a four-year strategy to reform and recommission these vital services.
New Plan Aims To Tackle Substance Use In NI
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has launched a new strategic plan to improve substance use services across Northern Ireland. The Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan 2024-2028 outlines a four-year strategy to reform and recommission these vital services.
27 November 2024
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
27 November 2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
27 November 2024
Belfast City Centre Regeneration Expert Returns To Assess Progress
Urban planning expert Joe Berridge has returned to Belfast to evaluate the progress made in the city centre since the publication of the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (BCCRIS) in 2015.
Belfast City Centre Regeneration Expert Returns To Assess Progress
Urban planning expert Joe Berridge has returned to Belfast to evaluate the progress made in the city centre since the publication of the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (BCCRIS) in 2015.
27 November 2024
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
27 November 2024
Why UK Branding Agencies Are Key To Business Success
Living in a digital world, when the competition grows with each new day, the biggest challenge a business has to put up with is to be different, relevant, and memorable. This makes branding not just advantageous but highly important.
Why UK Branding Agencies Are Key To Business Success
Living in a digital world, when the competition grows with each new day, the biggest challenge a business has to put up with is to be different, relevant, and memorable. This makes branding not just advantageous but highly important.
27 November 2024
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
27 November 2024
XL Bully Owners Urged To Complete Registration Before December Deadlline
Owners of XL Bully dogs have been warned that they have just five weeks left to apply for an exemption certificate to avoid their pet being seized and potentially facing court action. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024, and the process can be completed quickly online.
XL Bully Owners Urged To Complete Registration Before December Deadlline
Owners of XL Bully dogs have been warned that they have just five weeks left to apply for an exemption certificate to avoid their pet being seized and potentially facing court action. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024, and the process can be completed quickly online.
27 November 2024
Other News In Brief
PSNI Advice Ahead Of Apprentice Boys Parade On 07 December The PSNI have issued traffic and travel advice ahead of a Apprentice Boys of Derry 336th 'Shutting of the Gates' taking place in L'Derry on Saturday, 7th December. The city centre is open and motorists driving through the city-side and Waterside areas, between 11.30am and 5.
Other News In Brief
PSNI Advice Ahead Of Apprentice Boys Parade On 07 December The PSNI have issued traffic and travel advice ahead of a Apprentice Boys of Derry 336th 'Shutting of the Gates' taking place in L'Derry on Saturday, 7th December. The city centre is open and motorists driving through the city-side and Waterside areas, between 11.30am and 5.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
