
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has met her lead team of officials to discuss the contingency plans in place to manage any disruption to its services in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Speaking afterwards to Newry Times, Minister Hargey said, “It is my top priority to ensure that my Department is doing all it can to […]

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the new guidance for self-isolation following the decision to move from the containment to the delay phase for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The move from containment to delay is timely as we have now seen our first cases of community transmission in Northern Ireland – three of the nine new […]

The Department for Communities has moved to reassure people claiming benefits that their benefits will not be affected if they need to self-isolate due to Covid-19. A spokesperson said, “If people cannot attend an appointment at their Jobs and Benefits office and/or medical assessment centre because of self-isolation, they should let us know immediately. Article […]

As of 2.00pm on Friday 13 March, testing has resulted in nine new positive cases of Covid-19. This brings the total number of cases in Northern Ireland to 29. The Public Health Agency is currently establishing if any of the new cases fall into the category of community transmission. A total of 321 […]

Health service activity across Northern Ireland will, unfortunately, have to be significantly curtailed as resources are diverted to care for coronavirus patients, Minister Robin Swann has stated. Affected services will include non-urgent outpatient appointments, day cases, inpatient and diagnostic work. Article continues below The process of scaling back provision will be phased in over the […]

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill has called for the immediate closure of Northern Ireland and UK schools and colleges. Former Health Minister O’Neill made the call a day after Irish Taoseach Leo Varadkar announced the closure of all schools and colleges until 29 March 2020. https://twitter.com/moneillsf/status/1238440224893612032 Article continues below The Deputy First Minister stated, “People […]

Health and social care services are coming under growing pressure due to the increase in cases of coronavirus. A Department of Health Spokesperson stated, “We expect normal business will not be possible as we move into the next phase of this pandemic. Article continues below “Unfortunately, that may include some restrictions on visits to hospitals, […]

A rising number of Northern Ireland children and young people are receiving help from its Childline service as they struggle with suicidal thoughts and feelings. In 2018/19, Childline delivered 461 counselling sessions to children from Northern Ireland – an increase of 32% from 349 in 2015/16. Across its UK bases, in 2018/19 Childline delivered 24,447 […]
Mar 13 2020 | Posted in
Community |
Read More »

A group of six Southern Trust doctors and medics are embarking on a unique project to promote positive conversations around vaccine safety. ‘The Pro-Vac Movement’ will focus on discussions around childhood immunisations with further plans to include high-risk groups and seasonal immunisations. Article continues below Shilpa Shah and her colleagues Vincent McLarnon APNP, Colm Darby […]
Mar 12 2020 | Posted in
Community |
Read More »

Firmus Energy has announced a 21.15% reduction in natural gas tariffs across its Ten Towns network area, which includes Newry. The reduction follows consultation with the Utility Regulator, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy. Article continues below The move follows on from an earlier price drop in October 2019 […]
Mar 12 2020 | Posted in
Community |
Read More »