Menu
20/11/2002
Human organs inquiry line launched
A telephone enquiry line which will provide information to members of the public about human organs and tissue retained after post mortem examination, was launched today.
The line, known as the Human Organs Enquiry line, will be operated by the Parents Advice Centre on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
Launching the line today, Paul Simpson, Deputy Secretary at the Department, said: “This new facility is an important public service that will help relatives with concerns about the retention of human organs and tissues."
The decision to set up the enquiry line stems from recommendations in the Report of the Human Organs Inquiry published in June. The Report argued that having one central enquiry point about retained organs tissue would make it much easier for members of the public who had concerns arising from the disclosures about post mortems.
Paying tribute to the work of the Relatives Reference Group, Mr Simpson said: “The Department has been delighted to collaborate with the Relatives’ Reference Group and the Parents Advice Centre on this venture. Their work with relatives since March 2001 has helped to build bridges between relatives, hospitals, coroners, state pathology and Queen’s University.”
Pip Jaffa, of the Parent’s Advice Centre, said: “I welcome the opportunity to work with the Department in operating this line. I commend the line to anyone with concerns about organ or tissue retention and hope that it will help allay any distress they may feel.”
The line was demonstrated by Miss Catherine Scullion, Enquiry Line Operator, who explained the procedures in dealing with enquiries and the importance of having co-operation across the board, from state pathology, hospitals, coroners and Queen’s University.
Mrs Natalie Magee, a relative affected by organ retention, welcomed the enquiry line and spoke of its importance in assuring that relatives have a central point of contact for accessing information.
(GMcG)
The line, known as the Human Organs Enquiry line, will be operated by the Parents Advice Centre on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
Launching the line today, Paul Simpson, Deputy Secretary at the Department, said: “This new facility is an important public service that will help relatives with concerns about the retention of human organs and tissues."
The decision to set up the enquiry line stems from recommendations in the Report of the Human Organs Inquiry published in June. The Report argued that having one central enquiry point about retained organs tissue would make it much easier for members of the public who had concerns arising from the disclosures about post mortems.
Paying tribute to the work of the Relatives Reference Group, Mr Simpson said: “The Department has been delighted to collaborate with the Relatives’ Reference Group and the Parents Advice Centre on this venture. Their work with relatives since March 2001 has helped to build bridges between relatives, hospitals, coroners, state pathology and Queen’s University.”
Pip Jaffa, of the Parent’s Advice Centre, said: “I welcome the opportunity to work with the Department in operating this line. I commend the line to anyone with concerns about organ or tissue retention and hope that it will help allay any distress they may feel.”
The line was demonstrated by Miss Catherine Scullion, Enquiry Line Operator, who explained the procedures in dealing with enquiries and the importance of having co-operation across the board, from state pathology, hospitals, coroners and Queen’s University.
Mrs Natalie Magee, a relative affected by organ retention, welcomed the enquiry line and spoke of its importance in assuring that relatives have a central point of contact for accessing information.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
15 November 2024
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
18 November 2024
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
20 November 2014
PSNI Offices To Close 12 Hours A Day
All PSNI Station Enquiry Offices across Northern Ireland are to be reduced to a maximum of 12 hours as a result of budget cuts. The PSNI is required to save £38.4m by 31 March 2015 and will be faced with about 10% cuts next year. Changes to enquiry office opening hours will be implemented over coming weeks and months.
PSNI Offices To Close 12 Hours A Day
All PSNI Station Enquiry Offices across Northern Ireland are to be reduced to a maximum of 12 hours as a result of budget cuts. The PSNI is required to save £38.4m by 31 March 2015 and will be faced with about 10% cuts next year. Changes to enquiry office opening hours will be implemented over coming weeks and months.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
-
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.
