Autism services report welcomed

John McCallister MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Spokesperson for Health Social Services and Public Safety, has challenged the DUP to start making more constructive contributions to health service debates. The DUP tabled a motion today which called on the Health Minister to urgently review the recruitment process in the Health Service. However, Mr. McCallister contended that the DUP did not come up with any suggestions for an important issue that the Minister for Health is fully aware of and continually addressing.

In a statement John McCallister said:

"This was little more than another point scoring mission with little concern for the people the debate refers to or the health service."

"The Department of Health recognises how important workforce planning is in identifying appropriate staffing and levels and structures. The Workforce Planning Unit has implemented a programme of comprehensive workforce planning reviews carried out at regional level across the main professions and a number of supporting groups in the HPSS. The Minister and the Trusts have been taking action and they will continue to do so because it is in their own best interests".

"In cases where the Department of Health has noticed that there are significant shortages in particular sectors the Minister has not simply sat back and watched as a crisis unfolds, he and his Department have been proactive in recruitment. For example, in November 2007 Michael McGimpsey launched a nursing recruitment campaign in response to a recognized problem that there was shortage of both mental Health and learning disability nursing. This is innovative recruitment - but we cannot force people to commit to education and training that often takes many years".

"Vacancies in Northern Ireland are currently around the 2% this is comparable with other regions in the United Kingdom. Recruitment and retention strategies are comparable to other regions in the United Kingdom. I recognise that improvements can always be made, but the Health Minister and trusts are constantly looking for those improvements and it is in their best interest to make these improvements".

John McCallister, Ulster Unionist MLA, and Spokesperson for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has described the DUP's position on the proposed Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well Being as astonishing.

In the Assembly today the DUP tabled an amendment to the Health and Social Care (Reform) Bill which would have seen the creation of the Agency, blocked.

The amendment was opposed by all other parties in the Assembly as the DUP faced a resounding and humiliating defeat.

In a statement Mr. McCallister said: "To be honest I found the DUP's attempt to block the Regional Agency astonishing and in the end the opposition they faced from all Parties in the Assembly made them look foolish. This was a piece of political pageantry and opportunism that was doomed from the start."

"The most confusing aspect of it all was that the DUP Ministers on the Executive unanimously agreed to back the creation of a Regional Public Health Agency, but then the DUP Members on the Health committee opposed it. It must be asked, why the sudden change of heart? Was it through genuine concern or was it merely a headline grabbing issue? I think it is fair to say that the DUP need to stop playing politics with our health service."

Addressing the benefits the Regional Agency will bring Mr. McCallister said: "There are significant health inequalities in Northern Ireland - it is a sad reality that where you live has far too much of an impact on your health and social well being."

Mr McCallister said that the creation of a Regional Agency, will have a significant impact on the life chances and happiness of thousands of people.

"The Agency has been backed by many experts and health professionals. How can the DUP therefore disagree with this? Are the DUP now anti health promotion? Do DUP politicians honestly think they know better than the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Nursing Officer"

"The DUP are again showing a tendency towards centralised bureaucracy, which I believe is the totally wrong approach to take. We need to bring public health directly to the people, it is right we facilitate people to improve their mental and physical health.

"With the new a Regional Agency we will now be able to more readily address health inequalities by tackling problems before they need medical attention. Ever since the restoration of devolution the DUP has fought with the Health Minister on every possible occasion. Instead of working collectively they are attacking every new health proposal in a regrettable attempt to grab headlines - however, today I think they reached a new low. "

Ulster Unionist MLA, John McCallister has called for a major change in the habits of young people. He was speaking after it was revealed that the majority of children failed to recognize the real impact obesity has on a person's body.

In a statement the South Down MLA said : " The latest set of figures only reinforce what we already knew; obesity is becoming a ticking time bomb in our society. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to obesity; that is why I am pleased the Health Minister is taking a firm approach on the matter."

Mr. McCallister, a member of the Health Committee at Stormont also warned of the impact obesity has on young people.

"While no single issue can be blamed for this problem we have to be realistic about it; an ever increasing presence of junk food combined with a revolution in children's habits is having a massive impact. Children are spending more time than ever sitting in front of a television when not so long ago they would have been out playing with their friends. It is well known that a lack of exercise is a key component to gaining weight , therefore since we already know part of the cause of obesity then I feel it is our duty to tackle it. Of course the best known reason for childhood obesity is a poor diet; we are living in a junk food saturated society and it is causing massive damage to our young people. Food education would make a crucial difference; Children need to be aware that their actions now can have long term consequences which will last throughout their life."

"Childhood health and nutrition are of great concern to the Ulster Unionist Party. That is why I along with my colleagues in the Ulster Unionist Party fully support the Minister of Health's plan to creat a Public Health Agency. We firmly believe that by empowering this body, real and last change will occur. The fact that these proposals have been welcomed by a wide cross-section of stakeholders throughout Health and Social Care clearly indicates that the Public Health Agency has a vital role to play in this area going forward"

Speaking at a debate in the Assembly today on out-of - hours services and ambulance cover in rural areas, John McCallister MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Spokesperson for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has accused the DUP of basing their arguments on speculation and unnecessarily raising fears in local communities.

In a statement Mr. McCallister said.

"Whilst I recognise that one of the greatest concerns that people have is how quickly the Health Service can respond in an emergency, which is especially true for people who live in rural areas, the DUP Members who proposed today's debate have based much of their arguments on speculation, which is unnecessarily elevating fears amongst the community.

The issue must be put into some perspective - the Minister for Health has recently announced that up to 60 new accident and emergency ambulances, 60 non-emergency vehicles and 26 rapid-response vehicles will be purchased over the next three years. This amounts to a £17million capital investment. The Minister also plans to invest some £100million over the next ten years in the fleet, the estate and vital equipment, such as defibrillators. This has amounted to the largest single investment in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service's history.

Additionally in May 2008, the Minister opened the new regional dispatch centre at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service's headquarters. The new centre uses geographical information systems to dispatch the nearest ambulance available to a particular emergency - this will have significant impact in the speed of response, especially in rural areas.

Going on to address the issue of out of hours services Mr. McCallister said:

"The Minister has embarked upon a process of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of all Out-of-Hours services throughout Northern Ireland. In April of this year the Minister launched a new Emergency Care Record for all patients attending A&E and Out-of Hour services. The Emergency Care Record is a summary of patient information taken from GP practices including patients' date of birth and gender; their address and phone number; current medication and any known allergies".

"This means that patients can be treated more effectively as more detailed medical information will enable staff to make more informed decisions in their treatment. Before this initiative this was not the case in Northern Ireland. Concerns were outlined today but to date the Minister has only delivered improvements".

In conclusion Mr. McCallister said

"The Health Minister has initiated a major process of reform within the Health Service. The main purpose of this reform is to improve front line services and the efficiency and effectiveness of Health Service administration. All Parties are also aware that much of this reform is being driven by the Executive agreed 3% efficiency savings. The DUP, who brought this motion forward today, were the political Party that most enthusiastically voiced their support for such tough targets. However, if they want improvement they have to accept that change is necessary".

John McCallister Ulster Unionist MLA and Party Spokesperson for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has welcomed the recent announcement made by Michael McGimpsey that over the next three years the Fire and Rescue Service will receive £26million of capital investment.

In a statement Mr. McCallister said,

"I am extremely pleased with the Minister's announcement as the Fire and Rescue Service, along with much of the Health Service, has suffered from years of underinvestment during the long period of Direct Rule. There has been much concern that fire stations and fire engines were in danger of becoming out of date and dilapidated. However, the announcement by Michael McGimpsey, that the service will receive £26million for capital investment, means that the frontline staff will have the necessary equipment to deliver a quality, efficient and effective service. This announcement means that over the next three years a replacement station in Armagh City will be completed and new stations built in Omagh, Fintona, Cushendall, and Newtownstewart.

I am also extremely pleased with the fact that the Minister has committed £168million of investment to the Fire and Rescue Service over the next ten years. This will mean that up to 26 stations can be replaced across Northern Ireland. The Fire and Rescue Service does a magnificent job often in extremely difficult circumstances, and front-line staff now have the investment needed to continue providing a world-class emergency service for our health service.

Again Michael McGimpsey should be congratulated. He is proving that devolution can work for the people of Northern Ireland and that the Ulster Unionist Party is continuing to delivering".

Rev Dr Robert Coulter, the Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member for North Antrim and UUP Stormont Commissioner, has welcomed party colleague and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey's announcement there is to be a public inquiry into clostridium difficile in Northern Health and Social Care Trust hospitals.

Speaking in the Stormont Chamber this week, Dr Coulter said: "I wish to add my congratulations to the Minister and his Department, and, in particular, to Norma Evans and her staff in the Northern Trust, who have gone beyond the call of duty in attending to the crisis."

Assemblyman Coulter also asked: "In view of the erosion of public confidence in the health system, will the Minister assure me that there will be no diminution in the resources devoted to tackling the problem in order to ensure public safety and to rebuild trust in the healthcare system"

Responding directly to Dr Coulter's question, Mr McGimpsey said: "Patient safety is very important, and it is one of the reasons why healthcare-associated infections are a key priority. I have set targets for that area, and they are carefully monitored by the Department's service delivery unit. We carefully monitor everything that goes on, but it is important to remind ourselves of the number of hospital attendances."

"There are 720,000 accident and emergency attendances, 1·6 million outpatient attendances, and 540,000 inpatient and day cases. Furthermore, each one of those people may bring with him or her visitors, and some may attend for long stays. That gives an indication of the sheer volume of work that goes on in our hospitals and through our Health Service."

"The provision of health and social care is a vital role of Government, and society has a duty to ensure that resources are available to match need," Minister McGimpsey told Assemblyman Dr Coulter."

Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has met with care providers at Stormont to discuss ongoing delays within the check system managed by Access NI. The meeting comes in the wake of calls by Mr Elliott for NIO Minister Paul Goggin's to take immediate action to address the matter, which has seen some people waiting for enhanced background checks for over four months.

In a statement, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative said: "The meeting I held with Hugh Miskelly of M Care and Fred Sweetlove of Quality Care was informative but they were clearly frustrated. The situation they face is that due to the nature of Care provision, staff currently employed with their companies can give a weeks notice informing those in charge that they intend to move on. When Officials like Mr Miskelly and Mr Sweetlove then make moves to replace staff that leave, they have to first identify suitable replacement employees and then apply for enhanced checks through Access NI. While this part of the process is not a problem, difficulties arise when the checks take up to four months to be processed, leaving not only the agencies struggling to provide the same level of care but also leaving the potential employee in limbo, unable to work for the care company."

"In recent weeks I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are facing serious difficulties due to the inability of Access NI to process checks within a suitable time frame. Examples include a young father who was unable to work for eleven weeks due to the need for an enhanced check, and local play group owners and officials who cannot make moves to employ assistants to work with children until the enhanced checks are returned. These delays leave people and groups in awkward positions and they feel their 'hands are tied'."

"A further issue is that once an individual has been checked, should they then miss out on the original job they applied for and go to apply for a job in similar role they then must go through the entire process again. In one case brought to my attention, a young lady missed out on a post with a play group due to the time taken to process her check, and when she applied for a similar position with another play group only four days later she was told she would have to go through the entire process again. It is a ludicrous situation that simply defies logic."

"By way of resolving this issue, I have written to Minister Paul Goggin's and he has assured me that steps are being taken to make Access NI more efficient and effective. Included in his changes are increases in the number of staff and the addition of extra working hours in the day meaning that more applications can be processed. This is certainly action I welcome, but I will be keeping a close eye on the situation and should anyone feel that the inefficiencies are continuing to prohibit them or organisations they are involved with from moving forward I will have no hesitation in raising this matter again and again, until we get things right and have a service that people can have confidence in."

Ulster Unionist Chief Whip Fred Cobain met with representatives from A2B at Stormont today where they launched a new 'A2B calculator' which allows older people to find out which benefits they may be entitled to.

Along with other MLA's Mr Cobain welcomed guests to Stormont and addressed a gathering in the Long Gallery.

The idea behind the programme is to inform and encourage older people to come forward and seek the benefits which they are entitled to as at least £50 million per year goes unclaimed by over 60s in Pension Credit alone in Northern Ireland. Because it does not come from the Northern Ireland block grant, this is money lost to Northern Ireland's older people and its economy.

Speaking this afternoon, Mr Cobain thanked Atlantic Philanthropies for delivering this particular initiative to the people of Northern Ireland. "The Access to Benefits was commissioned into existence by Atlantic Philanthropies and has attracted attention and support from the Department of Finance and Personnel because of its innovative approach of bringing the value of technology to older people."

"We all know that one of the major barriers to benefit uptake for older people is the sheer size and complexity of the benefits system. It is particularly encouraging to me that the Access 2 Benefit Calculator gives enormous help in identifying entitlement, but it is just as important that the members of the Access to Benefit Partnership Network are able to encourage older people to go ahead and make a claim to which they are entitled."

"There is little doubt that the Voluntary and Community sector is often best placed to identify those who may be in need of help. One great example of this is the interagency approach taken in Access to Benefit's current pilot activities in Fermanagh. Along with Western Health Action Zone, Fermanagh Rural Community Network, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and a team of dedicated local volunteers, harder to reach older people in out of the way places are benefiting from the same sort of services as their urban counterparts."

"When we consider that somewhere in the region of a third of pensioners living in rural Northern Ireland live in households experiencing income poverty the importance of the work that Access to Benefits is doing becomes immediately apparent. Assistance through benefits is one of the key vehicles of tackling poverty, especially pensioner poverty, and social exclusion."

He explained that in Northern Ireland millions of pounds of benefits, which people are fully entitled to, go unclaimed each year leaving thousands of pensioners disenfranchised.

"In light of the current financial crisis and the sharp increases in electricity and fuel costs the pressures on people who are threatened by poverty is brought into sharp focus. Fuel Poverty is a much greater problem in Northern Ireland than in the rest of the United Kingdom with 24% of households unable to heat their homes to an adequate standard. That is why Access to Benefits, that Atlantic Philanthropies has commissioned, is so important."

"Ensuring that older people gain access to their full entitlements may be crucial this winter and I would like to thank Access to Benefits and Atlantic Philanthropies again for all their hard work on this crucial scheme, he said."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

INFORMATION…

By visiting the website www.a2b.org.uk and answering a series of simple and anonymous questions, an older person or a trusted person acting on their behalf can find out what benefits they are entitled to.

Users of the A2B Benefit Calculator are presented with a simple report which they can print off or save and bring to an advice organisation for further help. The report gives them details of benefits and amounts they should be claiming. The A2B site provides details of organisations which deliver benefits and provide advice and information about benefits and it contains links to claim forms on other websites. The benefit calculation is completely anonymous and all data is held securely. The website has been designed and developed in Northern Ireland, by A2B with the input of older people to ensure that it is as simple and user-friendly as possible.

As part of A2B's outreach and training activities, over 200 people have now been trained in how to help older people use the A2B Benefit Calculator. These include community health workers, community development workers and volunteers across Northern Ireland.

Ulster Unionist Party Health spokesperson John McCallister has criticised comments made by the DUP following an announcement by Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey which stated that prescription charges are to be abolished.

The UUP MLA rubbished claims in a DUP press release today which stated that the news in relation to prescription charges was 'testimony to the sound financial planning that went into the production of the Northern Ireland budget.'

"This has simply been made possible through efficiencies in the drugs budget - it is categorically nothing to do with the improved budget of the Finance Minister. It is time the DUP stopped playing politics with the Health Service, said the South Down MLA.

"The news today from my colleague Michael McGimpsey regarding free prescriptions for all will be welcome by all sections of the community in Northern Ireland - the DUP's comments today do not prove helpful at all."

"It is ironic that when the draft budget was discussed, numerous DUP MLA's claimed that the Minister for Health did not require extra resources - those extra resources came because an UUP Health Minister fought tooth and nail for them.

Today's announcement from Health Minister Michael McGimpsey abolishing prescription charges from 2010 has been hailed by the Ulster Unionist Assembly Group as a tremendous example of Ulster Unionism making Stormont work for all of us

A statement from the Ulster Unionist Assembly Group stated: "Health Minister Michael McGimpsey's decision to abolish prescription charges demonstrates the Ulster Unionist Party's commitment to making Stormont work for all the people of Northern Ireland. Today hard-working families have seen an Ulster Unionist Minister make a radical decision to ease the burdens they face in the context of the economic down-turn and the credit crunch. Those who work hard and play by the rules already contribute to the NHS through their taxes - they should not have to face the additional burden of prescription charges. Today, thanks to an Ulster Unionist Minister, they do not.

"In our March 2007 manifesto we declared we pledged to introduce free prescriptions - today Michael McGimpsey has delivered on that pledge. When an Executive has Ministers who are prepared to work, to put Northern Ireland first, and to build common-sense consensus, devolved government can make a real, positive difference for the people of Northern Ireland. It is unfortunate that we have instead an Executive bogged down in indecision and partisan bickering. Today shows that it could be different, that Ulster Unionism puts Northern Ireland first".

Following Gordon Brown's announcement earlier this week that the Westminster Government would legislate in England and Wales for free prescriptions for people with cancer, Ulster Unionist Party Health Spokesperson John McCallister MLA has urged Health Minister McGimpsey to continue with progress towards free prescriptions for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Mr. McCallister stated,

"Last year in the Assembly the Minister pledged to review the prescription charging policy. This was the first step towards fulfilling the UUP's election manifesto pledge to introduce free prescriptions. As Minister McGimpsey then stated, 'prescription charges can be an onerous financial burden on families. I know only too well of large numbers of people - people with serious, often chronic conditions - who still have to pay ... That is not the kind of NHS that we envisage'.

"While at present 80% of prescriptions are free, 20% are not. This - like many other means-tested entitlements penalises hard-working families. It is yet another example of government adding extra burdens onto family budgets. Particularly in the context of the credit crunch and the economic downturn, with substantial rises in the cost of living, moving towards free prescriptions would be a practical way to benefit families across Northern Ireland.

"The Minister has also acknowledged that the exemptions system 'is complex and highly bureaucratic'. Some long-term conditions, such as Arthritis - which affects approximately 230,000 people in Northern Ireland - are not on the exemptions list. It is no wonder that the BMA has described the prescription charging system as 'outdated'.

"I would therefore urge the Minister to continue with progress towards free prescriptions. Hard-working families should not be taxed twice for prescriptions - once through their taxes and then again through prescription charges".

Unionist Party MLA, Tom Elliott, has described his "delight" following the news that the village of Lisbellaw has been granted a licence for a pharmacy.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted with the news that Lisbellaw has been granted a licence for a pharmacy. This decision comes on the back of a well organised and dedicated campaign by local people that I was glad to support. The public meeting held in Lisbellaw a number of weeks ago really highlighted the desire within the local community for a pharmacy and now that that dream has been realised, I have no doubt that they will make the most of their new facility as soon as it is up and running."

With the licence now granted, Mr Elliott said that many people throughout Lisbellaw and the surrounding areas would benefit greatly from a local pharmacy.

He went on to say: "The fact that Lisbellaw will have a pharmacy will mean that many people will no longer have to travel into Enniskillen or other areas to get their prescriptions or seek professional health advise. Furthermore, families with young children, older people who struggle to travel, people without vehicles and households on low incomes will all benefit greatly from this decision. The positive impact this will have on many lives within the community is unquestionable."

"I have no doubt that as this news spreads throughout the village of Lisbellaw there will be happiness and also relief. Localised health care is something that should be afforded to everyone in society, and following this decision the people Lisbellaw and the surrounding areas can now look forward to having a state of the art pharmacy right on their own doorstep."

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has congratulated Northern Ireland Health Group on being chosen to construct the new South West Acute Hospital, based on the outskirts of Enniskillen saying it was "a positive step for the people of the South West".

Speaking after the announcement was made by Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, Mr. Elliott said: "I congratulate the team at Northern Ireland Health Group on their bid being chosen to build the £267 million acute facility at Enniskillen.

"In recent years there have been occasions when many questioned whether we in the South West would get the hospital that we needed, and this announcement is a major step forward in seeing this modern facility become a reality."

Tom went on to add: "The Minister's announcement and the progress that this represents is a positive step for the people of the South West, for both the community at large and the health professionals that will have the opportunity to work in what should be an impressive building with a range of state-of-the-art services. This acute hospital project will, upon completion, help improve the quality of life for many thousands of people in and around this area of Northern Ireland."

Tom concluded by adding: "I wish all involved in the construction in the weeks and months ahead the very best as they continue to drive this project forward with the goal of providing a modern health facility for the South West of the Province."

Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson John McCallister MLA, has welcomed the launch of an Action Plan to improve autism services in Northern Ireland by the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Michael McGimpsey MLA. The Action Plan, which Michael McGimpsey committed to develop following an Independent Review of Autism Services - chaired by Lord Maginnis - was launched for consultation today.

In a statement Mr. McCallister said,

"I congratulate Minister McGimpsey on the launch of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan for consultation. The plan, which the Minister has already secured investment to help implement, will seek to reduce the waiting times for assessment, diagnosis, treatment and support for people and families who live with ASD.

It will also start a Regional ASD Group to coordinate services and to agree standards of care, as well as redesigning the pre-school health visiting programme to promote early identification of development delay in children and early signs of autism - these will be real and meaningful changes that will benefit those who live with ASD, their families and carers across Northern Ireland.

Again the Minister for Health is delivering meaningful change for the people of Northern Ireland and he should be commended for this. The condition of autism is a challenging one and I believe that this plan will develop and improve the health and social care services for people of all ages - this is a necessary and very welcome development.

I would also thank Lord Maginnis and his team for producing the Independent Review of Autism Services as I know that this report significantly informed and contributed to the Minister's decisions on the Action Plan".

Unionist Party candidate for the upcoming Enniskillen by-election, Basil Johnston, has welcomed encouraging remarks from his party colleague and Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey, as the new acute hospital for the South West continues to take shape.

In a statement Basil said: "It really is wonderful to see the new hospital continuing to take shape. Recently, Minister McGimpsey came down to Enniskillen so see how things were developing and he was delighted with the progress that has been made. Just like Tom Elliott and myself, Minister McGimpsey has supported the campaign for an acute services hospital in the county from the outset and we are now all extremely happy with how things are coming along. There has never been any doubt in my mind that we needed the services retained, especially when you take into consideration the rural spread of Fermanagh."

During his visit the Minister made it clear that he views the erection of the new hospital as a development that "will provide the whole community with modern healthcare facilities, fit for the 21st century." Basil not only agreed with this statement, but added that as someone who has lived locally all his life he can truly appreciate just how important hospital facilities are to local people.

He went on to say: "I have lived in County Fermanagh all my life and the desire for a hospital in the area is something that is very real. When people think back about the service of the Erne hospital and its staff through the troubles, including of course the Enniskillen bomb, you cannot underestimate the feeling of attachment there is to the medical services in this part of the world. That is why I am delighted with the vision of the Health Minister, and I'm sure that he will be keeping a close eye on future developments."

"I want to be able to play a full part in helping to develop healthcare in Fermanagh at a Council level. As part of this I will seek to work with health professionals and continue to support the desire for progress while maintaining the already high standard we have come to expect. It is one of the many aspects of my campaign for the by-election that I am taking very seriously. At the end of the day, we cannot take health lightly and now that we are going forward with the new hospital we need to make sure that we maximise the opportunity for top class healthcare and give the new acute service the best possible start."

Commenting on news that Labour MP Diane Abbott has put down an amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill to extend the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland, Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson, John McCallister MLA, has expressed his disappointment at the move.

Mr. McCallister said, "Diane Abbott's amendment to the HFEA Bill is disappointing but unsurprising. Successive Westminster administrations - including the present government - have given assurances that Northern Ireland's abortion law will not be overturned without the consent of the people of Northern Ireland. This established policy respects the integrity of the devolved institutions and the consistently expressed opinion of the Northern Ireland Assembly that the 1967 Act should not be extended to this part of the United Kingdom".

In common with other mainstream UK political parties, the UUP respects the freedom of conscience of elected representatives and grants a free vote on the matter to MLAs, MPs and Peers. Traditionally, a significant majority of UUP representatives have voted against the extension of the 1967 Act to Northern Ireland.

Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA has learnt that the free transport between South Tyrone Hospital and Craigavon Hospital is currently under review by Southern Health & Social Care Trust and urges users to make their views known to the Trust to maintain this service.

Tom said. This service was set up in 2004 to meet the increased demand for access to Craigavon Hospital following the downgrading of South Tyrone Hospital and currently runs 7 days per week and leaves Dungannon at 2.00pm and again at 6.00pm to coincide with visiting times at the hospital. It has proven to be very successful and greatly appreciated by the many people who have used this service over many years

I am aware of many people who have no other means of transport who have used this service when they have had relatives in Craigavon Hospital for lengthy periods and visiting a loved one in hospital can be very stressful but this service is an integral part of patient care. The bus takes visitors from Dungannon to the front door of Craigavon Hospital and if using public transport they would need to get two buses and would cost £7 for a return trip.

I realise that all Government agencies are being required to look at efficiencies and value for money on all services and are currently monitoring usage of this service which costs £35,000 per year and if enough people use this service it can be maintained in the future. I have contacted the Southern Health & Social Care Trust at Craigavon on this issue and have received confirmation that consultation will take place before any decision is made on the free bus service between the two hospitals and it is important that users make their view known. I firmly believe that getting transport links right is a key part of improving the patient and visitor experience in the NHS"

WELCOMING the second stage of the Health and Social Care (Reform) Bill Ulster Unionist MLA John McCallister this week congratulated the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey on his substantial achievement.

Speaking in the Chamber he looked at the ever changing processes within the Health sector: "With the recent 60^th anniversary of the NHS we are all aware of the changes that the Health Service has undergone in its lifetime. And it is right and correct that this process continues; today the challenges facing the Health and Social Care services are very different than they were even 20 years ago and I believe that this Bill will equip the Health Service with the necessary structures to tackle the challenges in the 21^st Century."

He explained that these challenges include the need for a more patient and community based Health Service which focuses on preventative action as well as on excellent care: "I am delighted that these challenges are catered for in the Bill and that public health care is at the core of all the Minister's proposals," he said.

"I believe that this Bill provides the correct amount of rationalisation whilst maintaining local accountability, patient representation and access. A single Regional Health and Social Care Board that will focus on commissioning, resource management and performance management is very welcome; the improvements in delivery that this Board will afford must not be underestimated."