SDLP Question to Minister regarding out-of-hours GP Services in Strabane

To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an overview of the current provision of out-of-hours GP services in Strabane.

The Health & Social Care Board (HSCB) commissions GP Out of Hours (OOHs) services in the Western Trust area from Western Urgent Care (WUC) which operates5 GP OOHs bases including Strabane.

When a patient in the Strabane area contacts GP OOHs services, the service is structured so that they will be seen in the local centre. However, should the situation arise that when a patient contacts the OOHs service and there is no GP available in that centre at that time, then the patient will be provided with an appointment, at a later time, to see a GP at the Strabane centre. WUC make the necessary arrangements to have a GP travel from either the Altnagelvin or Omagh base to see those patients. Should patients wish to be seen sooner they are offered an appointment at the GP OOHs centre in Altnagelvin.

An analysis of activity in the Strabane area shows that from March 2014 until September 2104 there have been 79 occasions where a GP was not in place for the whole of the evening in Strabane. As previously indicated on each of these evenings all patients were offered an appointment in the Strabane centre.

Patients who need to see a doctor or nurse continue to do so within the Northern Ireland Quality Standards depending on the urgency of the case. Furthermore, any patient in the area who requires a home visit will be offered one. It should be noted that access to the Strabane centre is by appointment only, and patients should always ring for advice before attending the centre.

Given the demand being placed on GP OOHs it is essential that patients understand that the OOHs service is designed to deal with urgent calls only and that patients with non-urgent needs are best dealt with during the day at their local GP surgery, via self-care or accessing their local community pharmacy.  

Byrne: Western Health Trust must put patients first

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne, speaking after attending a health trust briefing, said today that the interests of patients must be foremost in decisions made regarding the merger of wards at Omagh Hospital.

He said:

“I believe strongly that the debate surrounding the trust proposal to merge the palliative care ward with the rehabilitation ward within the Tyrone County Hospital Omagh is a terrible mistake.

“Patients in rehabilitation should not be cared for in the same ward as terminally ill patients and vice versa. It is too disturbing for patients and their relatives.

“Nursing and medical staff need separate facilities in order to cater and care for their patients with very different needs.

“I do now welcome the news today that Western Trust Management are delaying any final decision on this matter until the end of December, pending consultation and getting specific funding for the palliative care service within Tyrone County Hospital.

“It is a pity that the Trust made a premature announcement on the matter last week as it has caused anger and deep pain to staff, patients and their relatives.

SDLP: Putting Our Youth First by Charlie Goan

Politics. Many young people are disillusioned with the idea of politics. "Its just a bunch of people fighting and rioting over flags , parades and the past". Well its much more than that. Its about Health, Education, Housing, Policing and the Economy to only name a few issues. As the youth of today we are the future. The future doctors, teachers , police officers and politicians.

We need to shape our future by increasing our political activity from an early age. If the young people of today decide not to get involved in politics then who will run our country in the future? The SDLP Youth have a lot to offer the people of the Derg DEA and the Strabane District. The SDLP Youth believe in the support of the Irish Language , Student Safety, The Scraping of Tuition Fees and the "One President, One Island" Campaign.

I understand people may be frightened by "Going against the grain" and participating in something seen as uncool or boring but politics can open so many different doors to the youth of today.

It can build confidence amongst the youth and can widen the perspectives of young people. So please feel free to contact the Strabane SDLP Youth or the Derg SDLP where we will be only happy to talk to you about what we can offer YOU as an organisation.  

SDLP WEST TYRONE YOUTH OFFICER - CHARLIE GOAN

SDLP: Criminal Justice system must support abuse victims

SDLP: Criminal Justice system must support abuse victims

SDLP MLA’s have called for an urgent overhaul of the criminal justice system in respect of the treatment of victims of abuse which is needed to ensure that victims and survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.

SDLP MLA’s spoke after meeting Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris in relation to victims of abuse.

West Tyrone Assembly Member Joe Byrne said:

“Over the last number of weeks it has become abundantly clear that the victims of abuse have been failed and failed utterly by the criminal justice system in the North. The actions of the public prosecution service, and subsequently the police, have contributed, in a significant way, to the suffering faced by victims as they are forced to relive the most horrendous abuse inflicted upon them.

“The unjustifiably long delays in bringing cases to trial along with the drawn out nature of preliminary hearings serves only to re-traumatise victims and undermine their confidence in the system. Justice delayed is justice denied and these victims have been denied for far too long.

“It is the bravery of Mairia Cahill and other victims coming forward to tell their stories that has brought this to light once again. I want to pay tribute to their immense strength and selflessness in trying to help other victims. It stands in stark contrast with those who sought to suppress those who have suffered abuse.

“SDLP MLAs raised this with the Deputy Chief Constable today and raised the need to look at laws in England and Wales for tackling abuse. If that framework is more appropriate and delivers justice more appropriately then we should undertake an urgent review of our own arrangements.

“My colleagues and I will also raise the treatment of campaigners like Mairia Cahill and Ann Travers by faceless individuals online with the Chief Constable at the meeting of the policing board this week. The torrent of abuse directed at these very brave women is utterly vile and must become an issue for the police immediately. The police must begin an investigation into the abuse and threats as soon as possible and bring those who think they can hide behind a nameless profile to justice.

“The SDLP will continue to champion the rights of victims and survivors, regardless of who they are.”

Byrne: Budget could be savage for West Tyrone

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has voiced the fears of people locally on the implications of the draft Stormont budget outlined by the Minister of Finance, Simon Hamilton last week.

‘Real fears now loom in West Tyrone about how the Budget cuts could severely damage local health services provision, the ability of local councils to provide services, further education provision and the future of the A5 road.

‘This budget process was not strategic, transparent or open and will impact on services locally.

‘Although  Health has suffered less than other departments there is still grave uncertainty over the provision of services at a local level as well as those provided by the hospitals in Omagh and Enniskillen.

‘The DOE budget with just over 11% cut has been hit the most thus restricting local council services and affecting the rates support grant which will adversely impact on the poorer rates based councils like Omagh/Fermanagh and Strabane/Derry councils.

‘There is already uncertainty around the budgets for further education and an almost 11% reduction certainly doesn’t ease this pressure. Further skills training could be reduced affecting future employment prospects.

‘I have grave concerns for the A5 road. This must be kept a priority to help regenerate the West. I am writing this week to FMDFM to seek reassurance that this road is still a priority for government given these current budget cuts.

‘The Department of Trade and Investment budget is to be increased but most of the jobs created by DETI although they are to be welcomed, have been largely focussed in the East of the Region.

‘It is important that there is economic equality in public investment and that the West is not disadvantaged when cuts are made.

‘Other parties voted for the budget saying this was the best we could get. There are posters up locally stating ‘FIGHT TORY CUTS’ but the same party by supporting this budget is supporting the Tories and the Treasury diktat.

‘The SDLP believe a better deal could have been done if the finances had been considered as part of the ongoing Talks Process with more analysis and consideration of balanced regional needs.

‘Finally this rushed draft budget, agreed between the DUP and Sinn Fein, could end up being a botched budget which could have severe consequences for many of our people.

Byrne: Easilink provides vital lifeline for rural dwellers

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne has said that it is vital that the Easilink community transport partnership is supported and maintained.

Mr Byrne was speaking after attending the Partnership’s AGM.

He said:

“This Community Transport Project provides an efficient and flexible service to the Omagh, Strabane and Derry area.

“Easilink is more than a transport service for those who use it. It is a lifeline that not only transports people to vital services like hospital appointments, but also provides a friendly face and a helping hand to and from their homes.

“This service is mainly provided by volunteer drivers.  Thus the service is not rushed and can provide help with small things that can make a difference to the service user’s life.

“I have attended the AGM for the last number of years and the team spirit among volunteer drivers, users and workers is evident. I would like to pay tribute to management of the partnership, including outgoing Chairperson Danny O Hagan and project manager Paddy McEldowney for running an efficient and effective community service.

“I have always been a supporter of community transport and will work with my Assembly colleagues to ensure that DARD and  DRD continue to support this vital community transport system.

“Community transport receives only a fraction of the monies given to support Translink but provide a vital service to meet the needs of rural dwellers, particularly the elderly.”

Ash: Talks with Translink to secure safer journeys for school children

Local Castlederg SDLP representative Marie Ash met with Translink representative last week to discuss issues raised by concerned parents.

Ash: “This successful meeting has ensured that from 10th November steps will be made to address the issues of students standing on school buses. Translink will talk with their drivers to ensure this does not happen.”

Highlighting the recent accident involving a school bus in Co. Tyrone, the representative backed the need for regulatory seatbelts. “While Translink will ensure that all buses are equipped with seatbelts, the difficulty in enforcing their use means that parents will need to remind their children of the importance of wearing a seatbelt.”

Marie & the local SDLP team would ask any local residents who may have any issues to contact the local office 02871882828 or email Marie directly at marieash69@gmail.com, we would be more than happy to help.