Category Archives: 2024

Northern Trust welcomes new mobile breast screening units

October 24, 20242024, Latest NewsAine Mc Auley

Two new state-of-the-art mobile breast screening units now operational in the Northern Trust.

The facilities feature an updated interior design, leading digital equipment and exterior lifts to assist those with mobility issues.

They are currently located in the grounds of Antrim Area Hospital and Ballymena Health and Care Centre, where they will see up to 50 patients every day before moving to Whiteabbey, Magherafelt and Larne.

Christine Greene, Assistant Clinical Services Manager for Breast Imaging, said: “We were delighted to receive these new units during the summer. Since then, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users commenting on the comfort and ease of their experience.

“We understand that attending for a mammogram can be an anxious time but we want to encourage everyone to take up the opportunity of screening when they are invited.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to highlight the importance of coming forward when invited. Breast screening can save lives and early detection is key to this, especially because it is aimed at women who have no apparent symptoms.

“When you come to your appointment, you’ll be met by our professional and friendly staff, and their approach, coupled with the opening of our new units featuring the very latest technology, will help us to provide the best possible service for everyone who comes through our doors.”

Positive experiences

Dr Tracy Owen, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, welcomed the introduction of the new mobile units. She said: “It’s great to see the new breast screening units become operational throughout the Northern trust area. This will really help enhance the delivery of this vital service and ensure women have a positive experience when they come for screening.

“While breast cancer can occur at any age, the risk of developing it increases with age and most occur in women over the age of 50. So, we would encourage all those who are invited to consider attending for screening. If breast cancer is found early, there is a better chance that treatment will be successful.”

Individuals aged 50 to 70 who are registered with a GP as female and live in Northern Ireland are invited for a breast screening mammogram every three years.

You should receive your first appointment before your 53^rd birthday.

Women aged over 70 years are not automatically invited for screening, but are encouraged to continue attending every three years by phoning their local screening unit and requesting an appointment.

For more information about breast screening services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust go to www.northerntrust.hscni.net/services/breast-screening-services/

For more information on breast cancer, visit www.becancerawareni.info/breast-cancer

Partnership is key to unlocking ‘triple win’ benefits for patients, the healthcare system and industry: Nesbitt

October 23, 20242024, Latest NewsCollette Leitch

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has highlighted the importance of Health and Social Care Industry Partnerships in unlocking benefits to patients, the Health and Social Care System and to industry.

Dr Glenda Fleming Deputy Director, MOIC; Professor Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer; Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; Brian Duggan Strategic Partnership Policy Director, ABPI; Professor Michael Scott, Director, MOIC.

Minister Nesbitt made his remarks as he welcomed the renewal of the Health & Social Care Industry Partnership (HSCIP) between the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the Northern Ireland Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) at the annual NICON conference.

The Health Minister said: “Since taking up office, I have been clear that a renewed focus on transformation, innovation and tackling health inequalities is needed. Through this HSCIP partnership, parties work together to introduce transformative, medicines-related innovations across the Health and Social Care system. The shared goal is to deliver ‘triple win’ benefits to patients, the Health and Social care Service and the economy through more rapid and consistent patient access to innovation, more effective use of HSC resources and increased cross-sector research collaboration.

“Efficient use of resources alongside targeted innovation can act as key enablers to help tackle health inequalities, making innovation as widely available to patients as possible, and therefore improve health outcomes for our population. This is an excellent example of working together with partners to deliver on this agenda and I very much welcome the ongoing work of this Partnership.”

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Professor Cathy Harrison, who took part in a NICON panel discussion on Embracing Innovation, including the launch of Industry Partnership Guidance, commented: “The HSC Industry Partnership between ABPI and MOIC works collaboratively to achieve the shared vision of measurably improved outcomes for people affected by a range of health conditions. It is this collaboration that is helping to introduce transformative medicines-related innovations across Health and Social Care and accelerate improvements to the health and wellbeing of its patients.”

Professor Mike Scott, Director of the Regional Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) stated: “MOIC are committed to supporting this partnership on behalf of Health and Social Care. As an innovation centre we are uniquely positioned to work alongside the health sector and the private sector to improve medicines use and patient care and look forward to delivering on improved outcomes for patients across a range of initiatives.”

Marion Laverty, Head of ABPI Northern Ireland said: “Northern Ireland’s uniquely collaborative model of partnership between our industry and the health system has the power to transform pathways of care, support the system to prepare for and benefit from life sciences innovation, and above all to improve patient outcomes. Industry looks forward to working with MOIC and the Department over the next five years to make this potential a reality.”

Exciting opportunities for service users as the Northern Trust joins The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Joint Award Initiative

October 22, 20242024, Latest NewsCollette Leitch

Learning disability service users within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust can now take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Joint Award Initiative for the very first time.

The Trust has been confirmed as an official licenced partner to offer the prestigious programme, which aims to empower young people, support them as they learn new skills, overcome obstacles, and build confidence and resilience.

The exciting pilot project will be based at Rathmoyle Resource Centre in Ballycastle, with plans to extend it further across the Trust area.

Earlier this month, representatives from the Northern Trust, including Robyn Lennox, Head of Service, and Pat Brown, Rathmoyle Resource Centre Manager, were invited to a reception with The Duke of Edinburgh in Hillsborough Castle.

The event was attended by award leaders and participants to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Joint Award Initiative.

Speaking afterwards, Robyn said: “It was a huge honour to represent the Northern Trust at this event, where we had an opportunity to engage directly with Prince Edward and tell him about our participation.

“He was very interested in hearing more about our service users’ involvement. It’s been a great experience for us so far and we are really looking to realising its benefits for our service users.”

Gareth Farmer, Assistant Director for Learning Disability, said: “We are delighted to be a new licenced partner with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

“This is an excellent opportunity to open this award to young people with learning disabilities, supporting them as they build confidence and reach their potential, all while gaining recognition for their wonderful and unique skills.

“The Award will be piloted in Ballycastle in the first instance. We hope that its success will mean we can extend it further for the benefit of all young people with learning disabilities in the Northern Trust area.”

The project has been made possible by The Duke of Edinburgh Award’s Extending the Reach funding. It provides a range of support including expedition kit, training for leaders and free participation places for young people, as part of the charity’s commitment to breaking down barriers to participation and reaching more young people. It is particularly interested in supporting those from marginalised backgrounds, those facing financial hardship, and those who need specialist support.

Kate Thompson, Director for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award/Joint Award Initiative in Northern Ireland said: “We know from speaking to young people that doing their Award can be life-changing – offering them the chance to learn new skills, grow in resilience and self-belief, make new friends and discover new passions and talents, all while working towards a widely-recognised and respected Award.

“But we know this opportunity isn’t yet open to all young people in Northern Ireland – and we want to support our schools and wider network of youth services to be able to offer the Award to the young people they already do an amazing job of supporting.”

To do their Award, young people aged 14-24 choose activities in four sections: improving a physical and skills activity, volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding expedition. Along the way they have fun, grow in resilience and self-belief, discover new talents and passions, and learn practical skills to help them in future.

In Northern Ireland, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has a Joint Award Agreement with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and Gaisce – The President’s Award, which enables participants to choose how they wish to be recognised for their achievement.
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Robyn Lennox, Head of Service, and Pat Brown, Rathmoyle Resource Centre Manager, pictured with The Duke of Edinburgh during the event in Hillsborough Castle.

Disruption to some children’s social work services due to strike action

October 21, 20242024, Latest NewsMary McAuley

There will be disruption to some of our children’s social work services due to strike action by Trade Union members in the Northern Trust from Wednesday 23 – Friday 25 October 2024.

Service areas impacted are in our Gateway and Family Support and Intervention teams. We are in direct contact with our service users to advise them of any changes.

We are working hard to protect critical services and to minimise any impact on children and their families, as far as possible.

Should a member of the public have an urgent concern about a child please contact 028 94424459.

If families are already service users, please contact the local office where senior staff are available to respond to emergencies.

Ruth’s role is child’s play!

October 18, 20242024, FeaturesAine Mc Auley

Ruth Mairs is a Play Specialist based in A2 children’s ward at Antrim Area Hospital.

She uses therapeutic play to support children, young people and their families during their stay in hospital.

To mark Play in Healthcare Week, Ruth gives us an insight into her role and what it involves.

What made you decide to become a Health Play Specialist?

I began my career working as a classroom assistant and nursery assistant. After some years I wanted a change and I found the ‘Specialised Play for Sick Children and Young People’ course. This was the first time I had ever heard of the title Health Play Specialist. As part of the course I worked one day per week on placement in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children which I loved and I knew from then this was what I wanted to do.

When I qualified there were no Health Play Specialist job vacancies. I worked in the community children’s nursing team for a few years as a School Health and Learning Assistant until the post came up in A2 in 2017 and I have been here ever since!

Tell us a bit about your role.

My role is to support the emotional wellbeing of children when they are in hospital as it can be an anxious time for a child who may be very unwell and require a lot of treatment.

I prepare children for various procedures through play, for example, using a teddy and theatre mask to demonstrate having an anaesthetic or syringe play with paint for children who are refusing medicine.

I use play to help the child understand their illness or injury, treatment they will receive and to answer any questions they have. Distraction is also an important part of what we do to help minimise anxiety and stress around procedures.

The Health Play Specialist can also create Developmental Play Programmes for longer term patients on the ward by working along with other members of the Multi – Disciplinary Team such as Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapists. This helps aid recovery or continue developmental progress when children are hospitalised for longer periods.

What is the best bit about your role and what are you most proud of to date?

The best part about being a Health Play Specialist is the reward of helping children feel happier and less anxious in what can sometimes be a traumatic experience for them and their families. I also feel privileged to work as part of a great paediatric team who value the Health Play Specialist role.

The most fun thing about my role are the various titles children give me such as the ‘bubble nurse’ or the ‘yellow toy nurse’.

Northern Trust reflects on 25 years of chemotherapy services

October 17, 20242024, Latest NewsCollette Leitch

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is celebrating a special milestone as it reflects on 25 years of chemotherapy services.

The first patients were treated in Fern House at Antrim Area Hospital in 1999, supported by a small team of specialist staff.

Since those early days, the service has gone on to make a huge difference to many people living with cancer and blood disorders.

Kirsty McKay has been a part of the team since the beginning, and she continues to work as a Macmillan Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

She said: “As a nurse within chemotherapy services we’ve seen great advances in treatment over the years. We started out with four or five regimes for our colorectal patients whereas now there’s maybe 25 and that’s the same for our breast, lung, prostate and haematology patients, so we’ve seen our numbers grow quite considerably.”

“It’s lovely when you walk down the street and someone says hello and tells me that I looked after them – that gives you a great sense of achievement. Patients’ families are very appreciative of the time we have spent with them and the treatment they’ve received, and I do feel a great sense of pride at having been here since the start.”

Rebecca Getty, Assistant Director Diagnostics and Clinical Services, said: “The anniversary has given us an opportunity to recognise all that has been achieved over the past 25 years.

“We owe so much to the staff who established the service back in 1999, and our growth and development since then is all thanks to their vision.

“The dedication, expertise and care of our Team North staff has been central to the service and I want to pay tribute to everyone who has been a part of our journey so far.

“Chemotherapy can be a daunting prospect for our patients but we will continue to do all we can to support those in our care and ensure they receive the best possible experience.”

One of the service’s biggest changes came in 2005 with the opening of Laurel House on the Antrim Area Hospital site.

It provides a purpose-built outpatient service and day unit for the delivery of chemotherapy and other treatments for those with cancer and haematology conditions, often seeing more than 30 patients every day.

While the service has experienced many developments through the years, the provision of compassionate care, and looking after people at their most vulnerable, remains at the heart of what it does.

Robert McGaughey from Broughshane is one of those who has experienced this care first-hand.

Diagnosed with the recurring blood cancer multiple myeloma in 2007, he continues to undergo regular monitoring and review.

He said: “I have to commend the staff for not just the treatment they provide but also for the support they offer for your mental wellbeing; they were exceptional in that way, building up your confidence again. You build up a real personal connection with staff and I found that really beneficial. Cancer can be a lonely journey but you come here and you get a lot of support. All you have to do is lift the phone if there are times when things aren’t going as well as they should.”

Laurel House nurses Jade Devlin, Kathryn Watt and Sarah McCarroll standing together with a cake. — Laurel House nurses Jade Devlin, Kathryn Watt and Sarah McCarroll with a cake to celebrate 25 years of chemotherapy services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

Sister Karen Kirkwood, Robert McGaughey, and Kerrie Sweeney, Clinical Nurse Specialist, standing together outside Laurel House. — Sister Karen Kirkwood, Robert McGaughey, and Kerrie Sweeney, Clinical Nurse Specialist, pictured outside Laurel House.

Scouts support Northern Trust’s preparations for going digital

October 16, 20242024, Latest NewsAine Mc Auley

A group of Scouts from Co Antrim have secured their place in digital healthcare history and earned a ‘Community Impact’ badge for their efforts.

As the Northern Health and Social Care Trust prepares to go live with encompass on 7 November 2024, members of 1^st Cullybackey Scout Group lent a helping hand to get essential packs ready for staff, packing an amazing 2700 bags!

The Northern Trust will be the third HSC Trust in Northern Ireland to roll out the encompass system which will mean going paperless and creating a single digital healthcare record for every citizen instead.

Neil Martin, who is responsible for overseeing the encompass implementation in the Northern Trust, said: “Preparing for encompass is a huge Team North effort right across our Trust, and it’s fantastic to see our community getting involved too. The introduction of encompass in our Trust represents an important milestone in how we deliver health and social care for our local community, and these Explorers, Scouts and Cubs have made themselves part of that journey.

“We are very grateful to all the young people who gave of their time to help us pack bags which will be distributed among key staff as part of our encompass implementation plans. Quite simply, we couldn’t have done it without them and we want to say a massive thank you to the Scouts and their leaders for all their support.”

Lorraine McDowell from the 1^st Cullybackey Scout Group added: “The girls and boys really enjoyed being part of this activity. They were very enthusiastic and had a lot of fun in the process. We’re always looking for new projects that we can support within our local community, getting our Explorers, Scouts and Cubs real experience, and making a contribution at the same time, so this was right up our street.

“Some of the young people have parents and relatives working in the Trust so it has been a really great way of supporting their families and wider community, and being part of the rollout of this new system in the Northern Trust. It has been a very memorable experience for them all.”

encompass will transform how HSC Trusts deliver services; it will give staff and clinicians instant access to a patient’s care record, reducing time spent chasing records and completing paperwork.

It will provide real-time, up to date information to all those involved in caring for patients, empowering them to make efficient, effective, patient-centred decisions.

Patients and service users will also have the option of accessing their own health and social care records via a secure patient portal called ‘My Care’.

For more information and to stay up to date, visit www.northerntrust.hscni.net/encompass-is-coming-to-the-northern-trust/

Construction begins on new MRI unit for Causeway

October 15, 20242024, Latest NewsAine Mc Auley

Construction on a new MRI unit at Causeway Hospital will get underway this week.

The new unit will be linked to the radiology department in the main hospital, and will also have its own entrance.

Kevin McMahon, Director of Surgery and Clinical Services with the Northern Trust said: “We’re really pleased to see work begin on Causeway Hospital’s new MRI unit. This will provide state-of-the-art diagnostics for our patients once the unit becomes operational in June 2025.

“Improving and enhancing our diagnostics at Causeway is one of our priorities for the hospital and is part of our Strategic Vision for its future. We believe Causeway is perfectly positioned to become an elective and diagnostic hub for the North West and the start of this building work is further progress towards that being achieved.”

Over the last two years, Causeway Hospital has benefitted from a range of investments including a £1.2m solar roof installation – the largest solar PV (photovoltaic) roof installation in any health and social care setting in Northern Ireland, and one of the largest rooftop installations on the island of Ireland.

Two new ambulatory (same day care) units opened at the hospital earlier this year, which have been instrumental in transforming the delivery of patient care in the local area, reducing attendances at Emergency Departments and reducing the need for admissions to hospital.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I am pleased to see work begin on this new MRI unit at the Causeway. This builds on my commitment to secure better outcomes for patients. The local Causeway community will benefit from better patient care, closer to home.

“HSC medical imaging services are critical to the delivery of effective and efficient clinical pathways. Increasing imaging capacity in the region is a key enabler for transformation and performance across all clinical specialities and delivery of wider strategic programmes, such as the Cancer Strategy and Elective Care Framework.”

Paddy Graffin, Northern Trust Director of Infrastructure, said: “This will be the first major build on the site since the Causeway Hospital opened in 2002. It’s a really good news story for our Trust and signals our commitment to investing in and enhancing services at the hospital, for the benefit of the local community.

“During the construction period, we will be ensuring any disruption to patients and staff is kept to a minimum. We’d ask people to bear with us while the work is being completed.”

Success for Team North at Advancing Healthcare Awards

October 11, 20242024, Latest NewsPeter O'Neill

The Northern Trust was among the winners at the NI Advancing Healthcare Awards held at Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Thursday 10 October.

The awards recognise and celebrate the work of allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and those who work alongside them in support roles, leading innovative healthcare practice.

Congratulating the winners and finalists Assistant Director, Allied Health Professions, Jill Bradley said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who were winners and finalists at the awards.

“For the Trust to have seven finalists, and three winners, is a magnificent achievement and a testament to the fantastic work of all our Allied Health Professionals.

“Jenny has shown great dedication and innovation, in promoting the work of orthoptists and is a deserving winner of this award.

“Heather and Katherine have demonstrated their strong leadership and excellent partnership working, which has made a real difference to people living in care homes.

“The production of the Advanced Cancer Toolkit by the Cancer Services Team has allowed local people living with advanced cancer vital access to wellbeing information and resources.”

Orthoptist Jenny McAlister – Rising Star Award winner

Jenny has demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication, and innovation in promoting and advancing the orthoptic service. She has shown drive to develop the service, having recently participated in a health care careers event promoting our small but mighty service. She exhibits leadership by supervising the orthoptic assistant staff members. Her commitment to continuing education and professional development is evident through her participation in the post-graduate paediatric OCT interpretation module, which will help to support and enhance her clinical practice. Jenny has taken up the role of encompass Super User, and has played a pivotal role in this digital transformation. Jenny has helped to drive change with her willingness to adapt with a positive attitude which shines through in everything that she undertakes.

The Cancer Services team – Excellence in Cancer Care award winners

The team worked closely with local service users to co-develop an Advanced Cancer Toolkit after a service user identified a gap in resources for people living with advanced cancer. The toolkit provides tailored, evidence-based health and wellbeing information and resources, and it will continue to develop and grow.

The lived experience of people with advanced cancer is evident from start to finish within the project.

Find the toolkit at Advanced Cancer Toolkit – Northern Health and Social Care Trust (hscni.net) or email palliativecare.events@northerntrust.hscni.net if you would like information for patients.

Outstanding Leadership award

Speech and Language Therapist Heather Stevenson and Dietitian Katherine Hudson won the award for Outstanding Leadership for ‘Milkshakes Matter’: a collaborative approach to enhancing nutritional and dysphagia care of frail care home residents.

Heather and Katherine adopted a ‘whole home’, collaborative approach, with a range of improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of nutritional and dysphagia care for residents.

Three women in pink/purple lighting pose for a photo. One holds a trophy and another a certificate. — Winners of the Outstanding Leadership Award Heather Stevenson, Speech and Language Therapist and Katherine Hudson, Dietitian, pictured with Suzanne Pullins, Executive Director of Nursing.

Three women in pink/purple lighting pose for a photo. One holds a certificate. — Jenny McAlister winner of the Rising Star Award at the NI Advancing Healthcare Awards pictured with Suzanne Pullins Executive Director of Nursing and Sarah Spence Head of Orthoptic Services.

Singing for Fun programme aims to connect rural women in Mid Ulster

October 8, 20242024, Latest NewsCollette Leitch

A new singing programme aimed at rural women in Mid Ulster will begin on Tuesday 22 October in Moneymore Leisure Centre at 7.30pm.

This pilot programme, developed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, will take place over a six month period with experienced music facilitator, Karen Diamond, culminating with an end of season event.

Karen has a wealth of experience in music circles and has worked across many sectors over the years. She believes everyone can sing and brings fun and enthusiasm to all her sessions.

She said: “I’m really excited about this new programme. Each monthly session will provide an opportunity for rural women to connect with each other and through the power of music and song, take some time out of busy lives to enjoy the experience of singing.”

Yvonne Carson, the Northern Trust’s Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager, added: “We are delighted to have Karen on board to facilitate this singing programme. She will bring warmth, vibrancy and effervescence to these sessions and I know everyone who takes part will thoroughly enjoy them.”

The free programme is open to all rural women in Mid Ulster aged over 18.

No previous experience is necessary, so if you enjoy singing and would like to meet up with other rural women in your area please get in touch by emailing yvonne.carson@northerntrust.hscni.net or ring 07824431175.

Alternatively, just come along on the first night and join in the fun!
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