Latest news with #BelfastHealthTrust
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Belfast: Child cancer patients chemotherapy delay over staff shortages
Some children with cancer have had chemotherapy sessions delayed as more than half of specialist nurses in the field are off work in the Belfast Health trust confirmed to BBC News NI that seven members of staff are "unavailable for work due to planned and unplanned absences".About five children have been affected with one child having their treatment put back by five Belfast Health Trust said it was working hard to ensure "adequate and safe staffing levels" at the haematology and oncology departments within the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, and that no child has had to go outside Northern Ireland to receive treatment. Sources have told BBC News NI that issues around staffing levels across the health trust have been raised, and specifically about the number of specialist nurses in the paediatric haematology and oncology departments. A member of staff said staffing problems were not being addressed by senior trust said while nursing posts were fully recruited, unfortunately "the number of chemotherapy-trained nursing staff on the ward has temporarily decreased due to planned and unplanned absences". Seven staff members absent The number of nursing staff currently absent is seven out of a total staff of 12."As a result, the service is working hard to review all the nursing roles within the wider haematology and oncology departments to help cover the service and protect the most time critical treatments," said the trust."Nurses working on the haematology ward require specialist training to a very high standard so they can safely provide chemotherapy."Specialist training for newly-qualified nurses can take up to two trust said the delays to treatment were not just down to staffing issues but also the clinical assessments of children, bed capacity and chemotherapy preparation availability during the added there had been "no negative clinical outcomes" and it had written to the parents of children affected to offer the opportunity to discuss their children's member of staff who contacted BBC News NI said while a spotlight has been shone on the building's failings and repairs within the Belfast Trust, which are costing tens of millions of pounds, staff feel "frustrated" that money is being diverted away from much-needed front-line trust said that safety and delivery of timely treatment remains a high priority. It said it is "actively working to improve the situation and staffing and service delivery is being closely monitored on a daily basis to ensure adequate and safe staffing levels".
BreakingNews.ie
09-07-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
Legal action is expected to be launched over a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern. The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. Advertisement It is set to be lit on July 11th ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12th. Fenced-off area warning of asbestos close to a bonfire on Broadway Industrial Estate off Donegall Road in south Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. Advertisement A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. Advertisement 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. A Belfast City Council appliance used to remove tyres located close to the bonfire on Broadway Industrial Estate off Donegall Road in south Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. Advertisement A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. Advertisement The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works. There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not? — Matthew O'Toole (@MatthewOToole2) July 8, 2025 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' A bonfire on Broadway Industrial Estate off Donegall Road in south Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.
Irish Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
Legal action is expected to be launched over a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast that has sparked concern. The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation that powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11th in advance of annual Orange Order parades on July 12th. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. READ MORE It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure and Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency backup generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Northern Ireland's Minister for Health Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10th-11th in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit before loyal order parades on July 12rh, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022. – PA
The Independent
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Legal action expected over loyalist bonfire sparking concern in Belfast
Legal action is expected to be launched over a loyalist bonfire in south Belfast which has sparked concern. The location of the towering pyre is close to an electricity substation which powers two major Belfast hospitals. It is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. It is understood that correspondence has been exchanged between a Belfast legal firm and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities. The PSNI said it 'continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety issues relating to bonfires'. A spokesperson added: 'As there is the potential that judicial proceedings may be initiated, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.' Earlier a spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital (BCH). They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency back-up generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. 'The trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the NIEA is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos-containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' The DAERA also said that NIEA officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.
The Independent
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Concern after loyalist bonfire in Belfast sited close to electricity substation
Concern has been expressed over the siting of a loyalist bonfire close to an electricity substation in Belfast. The location of the towering pyre is also close to two major Belfast hospitals, and is set to be lit on July 11 ahead of annual Orange Order parades on July 12. A spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust confirmed the substation supplies power to both the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital. They said they are continuing to monitor developments in relation to the bonfire, and said at this stage there is no requirement to cancel any appointments. 'Our staff will remain in contact with relevant stakeholders over the coming days,' they said. 'On-site contingency measures include emergency backup generators, which are tested regularly. 'Belfast Trust continues to review these arrangements with clinical teams at the BCH site. The Trust is satisfied that there is currently no requirement to cancel any planned treatments or procedures.' Health Minister Mike Nesbitt paid a 'fact-finding visit to the site' on Tuesday. A department spokesperson said he took part in the visit 'in line with his ministerial responsibilities', and will receive updates from Belfast Trust and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at the substation to reduce the risk of damage. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is working with Belfast City Council to cover asbestos containing material at the site and erect additional fencing. Although a spokesperson said it is 'primarily the responsibility of the landowner'. Stormont Opposition leader Matthew O'Toole, who represents South Belfast, also expressed concern around the presence of asbestos on the site. 'The issue of the bonfire at Donegall Road exposes the democratic scandal of how this place works,' he said in a post on the social media network X. 'There is a credible risk to public health but neither the responsible Alliance environment minister, UUP health minister nor any Executive party will say anything. Why not?' NIE Networks said it has met with relevant stakeholders to express its concerns over the bonfire's proximity to the substation causing potential risk to critical infrastructure and power outages. 'Mitigations have been put in place, including turning off the transformers adjacent to the bonfire, building scaffolding with metal sheeting around the transformers and placing steel plates on open cable ducts to reduce the risk of fire and damage,' they said. 'Whilst these mitigations are in place, there will be a reduction in security of supply for the area. 'We would remind the public that flames near to power lines and electricity substations pose serious risk to everyone's safety and wellbeing.' DAERA also said that Northern Ireland Environment Agency officials remain in ongoing contact with the council and enforcement investigation continues in relation to the site. The bonfire, just off the Donegall Road, is one of an estimated 300 set to be lit across July 10-11 in Northern Ireland. Most of the bonfires, which are normally lit ahead of loyal order parades across the region on July 12, pass off without incident. However the fires, ranging from towering structures to beacons, have sparked anger following the burning of flags, effigies and election posters in the past. One of the tallest bonfires in recent years has been at Craigyhill in Larne, which reportedly reached 62 metres in 2022.
