News and Events

Following the public support expressed during the ‘Right Treatment, Right Place’ consultation on the proposed General Surgical services reorganisation in 2010/11, the Trust has been working with the surgical team, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and other key groups to finalise the plans to deliver an improved general surgical service for our patients.

In a recent survey carried out by UK charity Friends of the Elderly, Belfast was voted the friendliest place for older people in the United Kingdom.

An inspirational woman who has been fostering children for the Belfast Trust for more than 15 years, has been named Foster Carer of the Year Northern Ireland 2013.

Belfast Health & Social Care Trust is first Trust in Northern Ireland to produce a Good Relations Strategy.

A number of people with dementia have played a leading role in ‘AssemblAges’, an innovative art of memory project.  

Northern Ireland’s eHealth and prosperity agenda was highlighted during a visit by Commissioner Tonio Borg to Belfast City Hospital on Tuesday 14th May.

Foster Care Fortnight takes place from 13 – 26 May. There are currently 526 children and young people living with 343 foster carers across the Belfast Trust area and more carers are always needed.

Dr David Sweet a Consultant Neonatologist in the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital featured on UTV Live News on Wednesday 8th May to show his support for the research done by Queen’s University Belfast for micro-needle painless injections.

Arts Care Belfast City Hospital will be holding a ‘Mini-Fest' on 16 and 17 May’ to celebrate the Arts.  For 2 days, there will be a variety of art activities and performances taking place for patients, visitors and staff to participate in throughout the Foyer and Wards of Belfast City Hospital.

Less than a day after the new service started, the first baby was born early this morning (30th April) in the new midwifery led unit in the Mater Hospital. Molly weighed in just after 3.00am, after her mum Carmel Smith from Glengormley had a water birth. Mum and baby are both well and went home earlier this morning. 

Belfast’s landmark Titanic Building provided the perfect setting for almost 90 children and young people from the Belfast Trust area as they took part in the annual Fostering Achievement Awards on Saturday 20 April 2013.

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Northern Ireland and is a significant cause of ill health and premature death. Every year in Northern Ireland over 1,000 people are diagnosed with the disease and over 400 will die.

Following on from our consultation last year on the future of maternity service in Belfast, a new Midwifery led Unit will become operational  next week in the Mater Hospital.

Belfast Trust are continuing to run the Life’s Amazing Pass it on campaign and are delighted today to see that the NHS achieves a ground breaking 50% increase in deceased organ donation. This is a massive improvement throughout the UK and the Belfast Trust will continue to work hard to encourage more people to sign the organ donation register. This is a positive step for Organ Donation however we still can and will do more!

Belfast Trust won first prize for the Best Promotion of Sustainable Transport at the prestigious Action Renewables Association Award Ceremony which was held recently at the Titanic Building in Belfast.

The judging panel recognised the Trust’s switch from diesel to electric vehicles for some of its freight services but more importantly it commended the Trust’s approach to the promotion of sustainable forms of travel by its staff.

We are delighted to announce that Belfast Trust has successfully retained its Investors in People Accreditation. The Trust first gained accreditation against the IIP Standard in 2010 and since then has maintained and built on the principles and good practice of developing people.

This award recognises the calibre of staff we have in Belfast Trust, but above all else, the exceptional skills and commitment of our staff brings great benefit to the patients and clients who use our services.

Due to a security alert, the PSNI have closed the area surrounding Broadway roundabout. The Broadway access to the Royal Hospitals site is therefore currently closed.

The Grosvenor road entrance is open as normal, so please this alternative entrance/exit.  We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The M1 has been closed Eastbound and traffic is being diverted at Stockmans Lane offslip. The Westlink has now also been closed.

We will provide an update when further information is available.

Todays security alert at Broadway roundabout ended this afternoon.  The Broadway entrance to the Royal Hospitals site has therefore re-opened.

Visitors to the site can now access the hospital via any of the entrances at Broadway, Grosvenor Road, Mulhouse or the Falls road.

What happens during pregnancy and in the first years of a baby’s life has a major influence on his or her subsequent behaviour, education, employment, health and other life chances.

Belfast Trust has completed a massive environmental project as almost 20,000 trees were planted on its Knockbracken site. Staff and patients joined together to plant a large number of the trees.

Life’s amazing. Pass it on - is the message from a new organ donation campaign launched by Health Minister Edwin Poots and representatives from the five Health and Social Care Trusts. 

Health Minister Edwin Poots today urged the public to lookout for members of the community who may be in need of assistance following the recent severe weather.

The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has briefed MLAs on the publication of the Vision to Action Post Consultation Report and the progress of Transforming Your Care (TYC).

Expert interventional cardiologists from across Europe travelled to Belfast this week to learn advanced interventional cardiology techniques from Dr Colm Hanratty and Dr Simon Walsh.

Due to essential planned maintenance and in connection with the on-going road works adjacent to the loading bay entrance at the Belfast City Hospital, it will be necessary to close Gate C (gate without traffic lights) at Donegall Road from 8.30am on Thursday 7 March until 3pm on Saturday 9 March.

On 11 February 2013, Belfast Trust convened a workshop on the future of the Disability. 

Saturday 2 March 2013

Due to essential construction work the road between School of Dentistry and Microbiology down to the back of School of Dentistry will be closed for all through traffic on Saturday 2 March from 6.00am to 6.00pm.

The HSC Board at a Public Meeting in Belfast on 14 February approved a framework for the commissioning of paediatric cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology for children in Northern Ireland. Belfast Trust houses this service.

Due to essential planned maintenance, work will commence on the road leading to Loading Bay entrance to Belfast City Hospital from Monday 18 February for a period of eight weeks (dependent on weather conditions).  

Norman Gray, a NIPSA health and safety representative with Belfast Trust, was recently named as the winner of the Health and Safety Representative’s Award for 2012.

Today, Health Minister Edwin Poots launched a consultation on the future configuration of Emergency Department (ED) Services in Belfast. These proposals, available on the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) website, are open for a 13 weeks period of public consultation.

Help find Belfast Trust’s inspirational winners for 2013!!

Belfast Trust is committed to fully involving staff, service users, local communities and the wider public in the planning and development of services.

Our Trust was declared a winner at the recent Northern Ireland Practice & Education Council for Nursing & Midwifery (NIPEC) Conference for their involvement in the Infection Prevention and Control Pocket Manual.

Belfast Trust recognises the importance of embracing diversity, promoting good relations and challenging sectarianism and racism.

The new Molecular Pathology Laboratory at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (Queen’s University Belfast) was officially opened on Wednesday 9 January 2013. The new facility is a partnership between Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Queen’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.

In order to reduce the number of missed outpatient appointments (10.9% in 11/12), the Belfast Trust will be introducing an appointment reminder/confirmation service. This is now being piloted in Dermatology Outpatients over the next 4 to 6 weeks and will then be gradually rolled out to other areas.

By providing reminders to our patients of forthcoming appointments this will reduce the number of missed appointments and allow patients to re-schedule to a convenient time.

Reminders will be made using an automated telephone call or text message.

When a call is made, the person answering will be asked to confirm who they are before giving the appointment details. They can then press the appropriate button on their telephone keypad to confirm, cancel or rearrange their appointment.

The cost of the reminders is insignificant compared to the amount of money wasted by missed appointments.

We would hope patients welcome this service. However, if they prefer not to be reminded about your appointment, they can opt out at anytime by informing the receptionist or one of our Appointments Centres.

The Regional Cochlear Implant Centre in the Dufferin Hospital building, Belfast City Hospital is relocating to new premises in Beech Hall Wellbeing and Treatment Centre, Andersonstown Road, Belfast on Wednesday 2 January 2013.

News Articles for 2013

Congratulations to two members of staff and a member of our Trust Board who received recognition in theNew Years honours list announced at the weekend.

Belfast Trust was declared a winner at the recent Northern Ireland Practice & Education Council for Nursing & Midwifery (NIPEC) conference for their involvement in the Regional Recording Care: Evidencing Safe & Effective Care Project (2012).

The Macmillan Information Service based at the Royal Hospitals in Belfast, a drop-in service offering support and a comprehensive range of information on all aspects of cancer to people in Northern Ireland recently celebrated their 2 year anniversary has been presented with the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) – a prestigious national award, in recognition of the tremendous work at the Centre.

Belfast Health & Social Care Trust had developed and consulted on its second Disability Action Plan. One of the key elements in the development of the plan was collaboration and partnership working with disabled people and representative organisations.

Health Minister Edwin Poots officially opened a new radiotherapy linear accelerator, this machine is used to deliver radiotherapy treatment to patients at the Cancer Centre.

As part of our commitment to working with the Traveller community the Trust has employed two Traveller Health Liaison Workers, with the support of the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Representatives of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Interpreting Service attended the Institute of Healthcare Management Awards evening at the Titanic Building in Belfast recently.

Michael McKillop, Paralympic athlete, visited the children’s ward at Musgrave Park Hospital to share his success with the staff that treated him throughout his childhood. Speaking to the children currently receiving treatment Michael said, “With determination and hard work you can achieve your goals”.

The Movember judging took place on Thursday 29 November in the foyer of the Cancer Centre. Colm Donaghy BHSCT Chief Executive and Pat McCartan, BHSCT Chairman were in attendance and Pat welcomed the participants and congratulated them all on their efforts to grow a moustache. Men’s health issues were once again highlighted.

Planned essential maintenance work will be taking place in the car park adjacent to the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre and Belfast City Hospital Tower Block.

If you are passing through the atrium of the Royal Victoria Hospital why not stop and view the artworks on display.

The Living Well with COPD for Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme in the UK was developed by the project team at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the University of Ulster, in collaboration with the team in McGill University Health Centre in Canada.

This weekend there will be a road closure in place on the Royal hospitals site while essential road resurfacing work takes place.

At Belfast Trust’s Leadership Conference on Wednesday, Minister Edwin Poots told delegates he was relaxing special measures and was satisfied the assurances he asked for have been met.

Belfast Trust is committed to the eradication of all ‘avoidable’ pressure ulcers. It is our practice to assess all inpatients as well as patients on a district nurses caseload to determine if they are ‘at risk’ of developing a pressure ulcer.

The Northern Ireland Dementia Forum recently held its 11th and final conference marking the end of the Forum’s work and the securing of its initial aims.

Across Northern Ireland there are a wide range of children waiting for a family for life.

The response to the consultation proposal to reshape maternity services in Belfast has been formally approved by Trust Board.

There has been an increase in vomiting and diarrhoea among a number of patients at Belfast City Hospital. Vomiting and diarrhoea, while contagious, normally passes within 48 hours.

The two Day Hospitals, Elliott Dynes Day Hospital on the Royal Hospitals site and Wakehurst Day Hospital based at Belfast City Hospital, their respective Falls services and the medical clinics held by Geriatricians in the Elliott Dynes Day

The third annual RCN Leadership Challenge for Northern Ireland was held recently.

Trust works in partnership with RoSPA to launch campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of hair straighteners to children.

Belfast Trust Finance Directorate has recently issued a revised Belfast Trust Guide to Paying Patients which came into effect on 1st October 2012.

Health Minister Edwin Poots has urged everyone in Northern Ireland to have their say on the future delivery of health and social care services.

Pat McCartan CBE, Chairman, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, has announced he is to leave the organisation at the end of December.

This year to celebrate World Mental Health Day we are hosting an exhibition that focuses on the historical developments in Mental Health Care in Belfast from the last century to the present day.

On 25 September 2012 the Health Minister, Edwin Poots, announced the commencement of a public consultation on the future commissioning of paediatric cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology for the population of Northern Ireland.

Health Minister Edwin Poots has congratulated staff and service users at Edgcumbe Training and Resource centre who were among the winners of this year’s ‘Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards’. Staff and clients from the centre were delighted to receive the Best Kept Day Care Facility (Belfast Region) award at a special presentation ceremony held last week.

Doctors, nurses and managers will join forces with an array of local TV personalities to don their dancing shoes and compete in our very own version of the hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing.



They are taking to the floor to help raise money for the MRI Scanner Appeal at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
 http://www.mriscannerappeal.org/ 


World Suicide Prevention Day is held each year on 10 September as an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP).

Belfast Trust Annual Report 2011/12 was launched at today’s Trust Board meeting.

Children's Haematology Unit

Preparations are well under way at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children as patients and parents get ready to celebrate Emily’s Big Walk.

The Children and Young Women’s Chorus of the China National Symphony Orchestra, also known as the China Children’s Chorus, performed to an audience of patients and children in the Children’s Hospital today.

Jenne McDonald (Play Specialist in Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children) says “We are delighted that the Chinese Children’s choir has taken time out to perform in the Children’s hospital. The event was enjoyed by both outpatients and children from the wards. Having live music in the hospital creates such a relaxing and calming atmosphere.”

A Brighter Future Together - Cancer Research in Northern Ireland.

Presentations are now available from the West Belfast Festival Health lecture sponsored by Belfast Trust:

• Food and Food Poverty facts
• Presentation by Professor Caraher

There are Condition Management Programme teams in each Trust throughout Northern Ireland and are made up of Occupational Therapists,

Commencing 13th August for a period of five weeks.

Belfast Trust have set up an advice line for parents or guardians of children with a congenital heart condition who wish to discuss the possible implications of their children’s care. The number to ring is: 90630500

Health Minister Edwin Poots hosted a visit to The Arches Wellbeing and Treatment Centre this week to demonstrate how our integrated health and social care system works for the population of Northern Ireland. 

The Minister was accompanied on the visit by The Right Honourable Andy Burnham MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and The Right Honourable Vernon Coaker MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Consultant in clinical genetics at Belfast Trust, Patrick Morrison, has received a Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from Queens University.

The Children's Haematology Unit in the Children's Hospital will be one of the beneficiaries of 'Emily's Big Walk- a national charity event launched in Northern Ireland by Minister of Health Edwin Poots.

Congratulations to the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Interpreting Services who won the National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare Award for equality and diversity at this year’s recent 2012 Healthcare People Management Association (HPMA) Excellence in Human Resource Management (HRM) Awards Ceremony.

Breastfeeding support services in Belfast Trust celebrated Breastfeeding Awareness Week with a ‘Pamper Day’ in North Belfast. Our midwifery and health visiting services joined local Sure Starts, the Breastfeeding Mothers group ‘Magic Milk’ and the ‘Mum-to-Mum’ Peer Support service to offer Mums-to-be and breastfeeding mothers some much needed ‘me-time’ by hairdressers, beauty therapists, reflexologists and others pampering providers.

Our Fostering Service p-p-picked up a penguin at Belfast Zoo by sponsoring the Gentoo penguin enclosure as part of the Zoo’s corporate sponsorship scheme.

At this year’s Nurse of the Year awards, nurses in Belfast Trust were successful in two categories: Outstanding Achievement Award and Bamford Vision Award

The Nurse of the Year awards provide a unique opportunity to highlight excellence in nursing in Northern Ireland, and celebrate the contribution that nursing makes to the health and wellbeing of the people we care for.

Belfast Trust has identified a large number of x-rays in its computer system in the Royal Victoria Hospital dating back to 2007 which may not have been formerly reported. The x-rays date from 2007 to 2010 and number approximately 15,500. If members of the public are concerned a help line has been established.

Pupils from Little Flower School in North Belfast paid a visit recently to ward 4b in the Royal Victoria Hospital to deliver a batch of colourful handmade cushions.

With the Trust employing 20,000 staff, all of whom travel to work, we are conscious of the volume of traffic this activity generates and the impact on our carbon footprint.

In an attempt to combat this pollution and to encourage a healthier lifestyle the Trust promotes our Cycle to Work Scheme

To mark falls Awareness week we are launching a new campaign to help reduce the risk of falls and fractures as we grow older.

Recognising and celebrating the major role carers play

Carers’ week is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the major role carer’s play in providing care and support to people who are sick, frail or disabled. During Carers Week the Trust will be providing and facilitating a number of events to promote the health and well being of carers. These events will be taking place in a variety of locations across the Trust area and will also be targeted at staff who are also carers.

View the programme of events

Marking the 25th anniversary of IVF treatment at the centre, the Trust has just launched a new website for The Regional Fertility Centre (RFC) : www.rfc.hscni.net

Belfast Trust Social Workers were among the winners at the second Regional Social Work Awards to be held in Northern Ireland.  There were 72 entries for awards in six categories, with four team awards and two individual awards. The finalists came from all sectors across Northern Ireland providing services to all age groups across a range of settings.

On Monday 9 July 2012 the general surgical team will implement their new arrangements for the service, designed to improve the patient experience by managing emergency and elective patients through dedicated units across Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.

This week Shopmobility is celebrating the 3rd anniversary of providing their service at the Royal Hospitals.

Beech Hall’s Annual fair day is taking place on Thursday 31 May 2012.

Through funding from the Public Health Agency the TB screening service within Belfast Trust has developed the Northern Ireland New Entrant Service (NINES).

Belfast Trust will host the first ever Royal College of Surgeons of England course to be held in Northern Ireland on Oral and Dental Care in Forensic Psychiatry on Friday 25 May 9.20am to 4.40pm in Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Saintfield Road, Belfast.

The Health Improvement Department are organizing events across Trust sites regarding cancer prevention. 

Two children come into care in Northern Ireland every day. More foster families are urgently needed to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes for vulnerable children and young people across Northern Ireland. 

As part of Arts Care 21st Anniversary celebrations an art exhibition featuring service users, healthcare staff and medical student art works will take place at the Crescent Arts Centre 2-4 University Road Belfast.

Focusing on providing the best possible community based services, the Trust is introducing a new Family Nurse Partnership programme (FNP).

Following a meeting yesterday with Health Minister Edwin Poots, Chief Executive of Belfast Trust, Colm Donaghy has welcomed the special measures announcement by Mr Poots as an opportunity to reassure patients, clients and their families that Belfast Trust is delivering a safe, good quality service.

In the first event ever to be held in the new Titanic Signature Building, Belfast Trust beat off competition from both the private and public sector to win second place in the Action Renewables Association Awards’ category for the Most Sustainable Travel Plan. This is a great achievement considering the plan was only officially launched in September 2011.

The Macular Unit at Fairview in the Mater Hospital has been successful in achieving the RNIB Northern Ireland Model of Excellence Award as an exemplar service for blind and partially sighted people.

Belfast Trust began work on the scoping and development of a Good Relations Strategy in June 2011.

The Autism Spring Seminar is open to adults with autism, and parents/carers of individuals with autism who live within the Belfast Trust area.

A Belfast based hospital team which has led the way in improving drug treatment for pregnant women who have epilepsy has been invited to address an All Party Parliamentary Group on epilepsy in Westminster later this month.

Big Lottery awards £900,000 grant to project for families affected by domestic violence.

The ‘Message in a Bottle Scheme’ will be launched in Ballyowen Day Centre on Monday 13 February in conjunction with the ‘Belfast Lions Club’, ‘Good Morning West Belfast’ and the ‘Northern Ireland Ambulance Service’.

Continuing our plans to reorganise the delivery of acute services in Belfast, Gynaecology services will move on Monday 6 February 2012.

Continuining our plans to reorganise the delivery of acute services in Belfast, Gynaecology services will move on Monday 6 February.

South Belfast and Shankill Leisure Centre will be hosting the FRESH programme from the beginning of March 2012.

The Public Health Agency has today published leaflets for parents and carers providing information on preventing infections caused by Pseudomonas and screening patients for Pseudomonas. A fact sheet on is also available.

Further tests for Pseudomonas infection have not shown any new cases of infection in the outbreak at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, and the total remains at six.

A helpline has been set up for anyone who has concerns about the recent Pseudomonas outbreak in the neonatal unit at Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital. 

The number is 028 90 63 5389 and will be open until 12.30pm on Saturday 21 January 2012.

Admission to the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Service is being restricted due to an outbreak of Pseudomonas infection. This can be particularly harmful to babies and small children who are already ill.

Two new initiatives were recently launched by the Health and Social Care Board's Regional Autistic Spectrum Disorder Network (RASDN) to improve information and services for parents, carers and users of autism services.

The Health Minister Edwin Poots recently performed the Topping Out ceremony at Phase 2B, Critical Care Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital.  Construction of the Critical Care Building is due to be completed in 2012 with a total project cost of £151m. Mr Poots said all patients will benefit from this new state of the art building, with modern fit for purpose critical care facilities.

The Minister Edwin Poots recently visited the Emergency Departments at the Royal Victoria and Mater Hospitals.

Celebrity Christine Bleakley met with patients and staff in the Children’s hospital to launch an exciting new charity initiative from ITV1 – Text Santa.

2011 has been a busy and successful year for Belfast Trust Fostering Service. The emphasis and theme of the year was Belfast Trust, valuing foster carers and their families.

During today’s industrial action there will be no routine outpatient appointments in our hospitals other than those deemed clinically critical. Advance notice of the strike action meant that we were able to offer people appointments on other dates. The number of outpatient appointments that would have been booked for 30 November is estimated to be 3,000.

Celebrate the gift of human kindness by helping Arts Care create a large scale art installation at Belfast City Hospital.  Light the Candle is a temporary art installation that is being created by Andrea Spencer, Arts Care artist in residence at BCH, and Nicola Drenan, a second year ceramic student at University of Ulster.

Join Friends of the Cancer Centre for the launch of Happy Feet 2 in 3D this December at the Movie House Cityside. A Christmas matinee show will take place on Sunday 4 December at 11.00am with a guest appearance from Santa!

Belfast Trust is restricting admissions to Ward 4F of the Royal Victoria Hospital following an increased incidence of Clostridium Difficile. Families visiting relatives in the ward, which primarily treats neurosurgery patients are being asked to strictly observe the Trust’s visiting policy of two people at the bedside and good hand hygiene practice while in the ward. Visitors are also being asked not to bring children onto the ward.

The fourth and final article of a fortnightly update bulletin in our series of A&E updates is now available.  The bulletins outline the arrangements put in place to support the transfer of Accident and Emergency Department services from Belfast City Hospital which closed temporarily on 1 November.

Following our 'Right Treatment, Right Place' consultation in October 2010 on acute service delivery, the public and Trust Board gave their support to plans to reorganise the delivery of acute services in Belfast.

Macmillan Information Service at the Royal Hospitals would sincerely like to thank everyone who supported the Macmillan ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ on Friday 30 September in Spoons Restaurant, Royal Victoria Hospital.

At 8am today the Accident and Emergency Department at the Belfast City Hospital closed.  This temporary measure is needed, due to a shortage in medical staff which could not be filled – despite a national and international recruitment drive.

A new medicines dispensing robot has been installed at Belfast City Hospital and its introduction has been welcomed by Health Minister Edwin Poots.

The robot allows for increased dispensing speed, better stock control, increased accuracy and better utilisation of staff time.

Belfast Trust has recently recruited two Traveller Liaison Workers. The employment of these workers, who are both from the Traveller Community, represents an enormous step forward in the implementation of our Traveller Health Strategy which was launched recently.

The fourth and final article in a series of fortnightly update bulletins is now available. The bulletins outline the arrangements put in place to support the transfer of Accident and Emergency Department services from Belfast City Hospital which closed temporarily close on 1 November.

Public Sector Company of the Year  -  Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has been awarded winner of the public sector category at the inaugural Childcare Works Awards 2011 in association with Employers for Childcare.

During the official Unison strike action on Wednesday 5 October, it has been agreed with the Trade Union that emergency and essential health and social care services will continue to be provided.

Health Minister Edwin Poots was welcomed by Belfast Trust Chairman, Pat McCartan when he visited the RVH to receive a copy of Belfast Trusts Workplace Travel Plan, which was launched as part of European Mobility Week.

As part of European Heritage Open Days, two important aspects of the unique heritage of the Royal Victoria Hospital will be open to the public.

On Saturday, 10 September 2011, 9.30am-3.00 pm, you can experience a piece of history in the original 1903 Victorian corridor, engine house and air conditioning system.

The Board of Directors of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust today approved the temporary closure of the unit – caused by an acute shortage of staff but agreed that, with the support of existing staff in hospitals across greater Belfast it will be able to remain open until the beginning of November.

The fourth Belfast Trust Annual Report is now available online. ‘In only four years we have travelled a long way,’ says Chairman Pat McCartan. ‘I believe people who work in Belfast Trust are there because they want to make a difference, and I continue to be impressed by not only their level of commitment, but also the ingenuity of staff in finding ways of making the patient and client experience better’

10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day, and is an opportunity to highlight this important issue. In 2010, 313 deaths in Northern Ireland were registered as suicide, and on average someone in the world takes their own life every 40 seconds.

Health Minister Edwin Poots paid a visit to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children this week.

He was welcomed by Trust Chairman Pat McCartan, Deputy Chief Executive Marie Mallon and Director of Specialist Hospitals, Women's and Children's Health Brian Barry.

Trust Director Jennifer Welsh, has paid tribute to staff who dealt calmly and professionally with casualties following an incident in which a double-decker bus overturned in Belfast city centre.

A total of 30 casualties were treated at the Royal, City and Mater hospitals.

Belfast Trust is planning for the temporary closure of the Emergency Department in Belfast City Hospital in October 2011 unless we are able to recruit middle grade doctors i.e. those with at least eight years experience four of which would have been in Emergency Medicine.

We have become aware that some people have received recruitment emails claiming to be issued by the Royal Victoria Hospital, asking you to supply personal details.

These emails are fraudulent and have not been issued by, or on behalf of the Royal Victoria Hospital or the Belfast Trust. We advise anyone who receives such an email to delete it as soon as possible.

Screening is being offered to 43 former patients of Ward 6 North at Belfast City Hospital who may have been in contact with a patient diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).  The screening is a precautionary measure in line with standard guidance and patients should not be alarmed.

Belfast Trust will again sponsor a lecture at the West Belfast Festival.  The lecture ‘The connected baby: How parent-infant interaction builds brains’ - will be delivered by Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Dundee. It will be held on Tuesday 2 August 2011 at 5pm.

A new exhibition has opened in the Arts Care's Gallery at Musgrave Park Hospital. Entitled ‘The Life of The Lough’ the exhibition features the environmental photography of Co Down photographer, Bernie Brown.

The exhibition will run from 4 July to 31 August, in Arts Care's Gallery, 2nd Floor Lift Lobby, Withers, Musgrave Park Hospital.

This week Bruce House, a purpose built specialist residential facility for older people suffering from dementia and related illnesses celebrated its 25 year anniversary. The Home opened in 1986 and is now one of five specialist residential units across Belfast Trust offering short and long term care.

Belfast Trust today welcomed the Health Minister, Edwin Poots focus on the anticipated shortage of junior doctors across Northern Ireland.

Medical Director, Tony Stevens said, “It is no secret that our three adult EDs are stretched in terms of appropriate clinical cover at particular times. Our focus has to be on patient safety.”

Following our 'Right Treatment, Right Place' consultation in October 2010 on acute service delivery, the public and Trust Board gave their support to plans to reorganise the delivery of acute services in Belfast.

The first phase of reorganisation will begin this summer, starting with Ear Nose and Throat Services (ENT).

Belfast Trust was one of 76 organisations across the UK taking part in Business in the Community - Opportunity Now’s national benchmarking survey to measure its level of equality and diversity in the workplace. The Trust, which obtained a Silver Award in the last Survey, is one of only 3 organisations in NI (and 18% throughout the UK) to achieve a Gold award this time.

Only a hospital test can confirm a stroke for sure, but it’s important to know the signs, and be able to respond quickly, if you suspect someone is having a stroke. The national campaign ‘Stroke – Act F.A.S.T’ helps you to know what to look for.

Beech Hall and Shankill Wellbeing and Treatment Centres will open this summer and are the last in a series of 7 health and wellbeing centres built in the city by Belfast Trust.

To give those in the area an opportunity to see the centres before they are officially opened, two open days are planned:

• Beech Hall Wellbeing and Treatment centre Open Day is on Tuesday 28 June 4pm to 7pm.
• Shankill Wellbeing and Treatment Centre Open Day is on Wednesday 29 June 4pm to 7pm.

Belfast Trust nurse, Pauline Haslett has become RCN Nurse of the Year 2011. Pauline , who works as a live donor transplant co-ordinator in Belfast City Hospital, fought off competition from six other finalists to receive the award for transforming the live donor service in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Trust staff excelled at this year’s RCN Nurse of The Year Awards, walking away with a total of six winning awards.

To celebrate International Men’s Health Week, the Men’s Health Group led by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, partner organisations and voluntary and community groups will be hosting a Men’s Health event in Belfast City Hall on Tuesday 14 June from 10.30am till 2.00pm.

13 - 19 June

Many people living in the Belfast area are caring for a family member or friend who is ill, frail or disabled. They do so with courage and fortitude and a practical love that is prepared to put their own needs last. CARERS WEEK 2011 is a recognition and celebration of the dedication of both adult and young carers who quietly sacrifice their own time and life opportunities for the sake of others.

Belfast City Hall hosted a special event to honour the many volunteers who offer up their time, energy and commitment volunteering in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Smile Surestart invites you to their Family Health Event on Wednesday 8th June 2011 at North Queen Street Community Centre, Belfast. The theme this year is health and safety we will be covering accidents in the home, in the car and on the road.

The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children has recently received a cheque for £20,000 from Curley’s.

New Health Minister Edwin Poots helped our Chairman and Chief Executive underline the wash your hands infection control message when he paid a visit to the Cancer Centre yesterday.

If you think you could make a positive difference to a child’s life , why not come along to Northern Ireland’s biggest fostering coffee morning, ‘CARE for Coffee?’ and find out more about fostering.

Join 'Friends of the Cancer Centre' for the ride of your life. From 100ft up in a crane, you'll zip 1000ft from one side of the River Lagan to the other!

Chief Executive, Colm Donaghy, launched the Musgrave Park Hospital element of the “Through the Lens” photography project. 

The Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Centre (NICTC), formerly known as the Northern Ireland Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, launches its new name, logo and web-site.

Shayne Ward X Factor winner took time out to visit the children's hospital recently while in Belfast performing at the Odyssey Arena.

Cool FM’s Cash for Kids presented a cheque for a massive £100,000 to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children recently.

When you lift the phone to call us, we want you to be able to speak to the person you need to speak to, as quickly and easily as possible. However, in an organisation with 20,000 staff, working in many different buildings across Belfast, we know this can sometimes be challenging.

When Belfast Trust was formed in 2007, it merged six smaller healthcare Trusts, each with their own telephone system, and their own way of managing phone calls. Some of that technology now requires replacement.

In his final statement to the NI Assembly as Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has outlined his spending priorities for the next four years.

Help support cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland by taking part in the 2011 Belfast City Marathon and choosing Friends of the Cancer Centre as your sponsored charity.

Walk or run… raise a little or raise a lot…Friends of the Cancer Centre would appreciate your support at the marathon on Monday 2 May 2011.

Belfast Trust enjoyed a winning night at this year’s Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards scooping an outstanding seven of the sixteen awards on offer. The Awards are run in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Healthcare Review.

Shankill Health and Wellbeing Centre has officially been handed over to the Trust by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
The new centre is one of seven similar centres that have been built across Belfast since 2005, and will bring together services which are currently being delivered from 11 different facilities.

Trust Chairman Pat McCartan and Chief Executive Colm Donaghy have extended their congratulations to the Oncology and Haematology Social Work Team based at the Cancer Centre in Belfast City Hospital who secured the Overall Award for excellence at the recent Regional Social Work Awards hosted by the Lord Mayor at Belfast City Hall.

Belfast Trust and Arts Care are today celebrating the unveiling of the ‘Care’ Project, a large artwork at the front of the Mater Hospital. The art work was created by groups of patients, including those from general and mental health facilities, and was facilitated by Patricia Lavery, Arts Care Artist in Residence at the Mater Hospital.

The Multi-Agency Belfast Area Sexual Health Project Board, facilitated by Belfast Trust has recently produced a brand new resource for young people in the area of relationships and sexual health. Entitled ‘Unique’, it is designed to help inform young people in the areas of friendship, love, dating and sex.

Obsolete equipment donated by Belfast Trust has made the difference between life and death for patients at a hospital in Uganda.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has officially launched a new Code of Conduct for Healthcare Chaplains in Northern Ireland.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, has officially launched the second edition of the hugely successful Sudden Death and Traumatic Bereavement Reference Books and Leaflets produced by the Eastern Trauma Advisory Panel at Belfast City Hall.

Belfast Trust has ordered the recall of 117 dental patients for checkups – as a precautionary measure – following a review of the clinical performance of a senior consultant at the School of Dentistry.

The action follows an extensive review of patients treated by the dentist who has been removed by the Trust from treating its patients – and who has also been reported to the General Medical and General Dental Councils.

40 years ago in Belfast City Hospital Bob Arnott received his kidney transplant and now at 76 is one of the longest surviving kidney transplant patients in the world.

A new artwork celebrating ‘Community Spirit’ will be unveiled in Belfast City hospital today. This project was created by ArtsCare artist-in-residence Andrea Spencer, working with patients, staff and visitors at the hospital.

Forest Lodge Respite Home has raised £2,000 to bring a smile to the faces of the many children it provides care for.  The funds were raised to help pay for visits from the NI ClownDoctors.

In spite of the recent difficulties with water supply across Northern Ireland, Belfast Trust continues to maintain all hospital services at this busy time of year.

Pop Art Portraits is a new project launched at the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit (RABIU) in Musgrave Park Hospital. The project saw Patients and staff paint their own portraits, Pop Art-style, in workshops facilitated jointly by Art Therapist Carole Connelly and ArtsCare Artist-in-Residence, Cheryl Bleakley.

Jasmine Callow, a midwife at the Mater Hospital, has been selected as Northern Ireland winner of the Johnson’s Baby Mums’ Midwife of the Year Award. – This is part of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Midwifery Awards,which celebrate and reward the excellence, innovation and impact of the midwifery profession in the UK

A new report launched on Human Rights Day identified the number one ‘health’ problem for migrants living in Belfast as access to health and social care services.

This report is the first publication of the Belfast Health Development Unit, established jointly in March 2010 by Belfast Trust, Public Health Agency and Belfast City Council to facilitate partnership working in Belfast to tackle inequalities in health.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today cut the first sod at a new £4.9m purpose built Neurology Unit at Musgrave Park Hospital.
The new Neurology facility will be built in Musgrave Park Hospital adjacent and attached to the Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit, and will have 23 beds, providing neuro-palliative care, assessment and rehabilitation as well as respite care

A Nurse-led Congenital Heart Disease Transition Clinic for 14-16 year olds called rheartz was launched today by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.

About one percent of babies are born with congenital heart abnormalities, ranging in severity from the most simple to the more complex. Often these babies undergo major life saving cardiac surgery during their infancy and again during their childhood years, and thanks to the advances in medical treatments and surgical techniques, the majority of them now survive into their adult years

Senior Macmillan nurse in the Belfast Trust, Anne McLean, has received the Aisling Roll of Honour Award for her work in cancer support and care.
The award recognises the work of Macmillan nurses whose dedication to patients with a diagnosis of cancer and those requiring specialist palliative care, including care of terminally ill patients, is legendary and has brought great comfort and support to thousands of people across the City of Belfast.

Findings from the All Ireland Traveller Health Study, carried out by University College Dublin, were presented today at an event organised by An Munia Tober, the Traveller Support Organisation. Dr Leslie Boydell presented a response on behalf of Belfast Trust outlining the commitments made in the Trust’s Traveller Health Strategy and action plan. This has been developed by the Traveller Strategy Board, chaired by Bernie McNally, Director of Social and Primary Care, to address the health needs of Travellers

It’s that time of year again when we see an increase in attendances at Emergency Departments because of slips and falls due to snow and ice.
The Royal Victoria Hospital have seen a 60% increase in attendance over last weekend compared to the previous weekend.

Belfast Trust have won a top award as one of the Northern Ireland winners of the Supporting Life’s Journeys ‘Mentoring and Befriending Recognition Awards 2010’ The awards recognise volunteers and organisations that have made a difference to people’s lives through mentoring or befriending services.

Following the official launch of the findings of an independent evaluation of The West Belfast and Greater Shankill Health Employment Partnership local decision makers have been urged to adopt a radical new approach for tackling unemployment in the most deprived areas of Belfast.

At the 16th annual sexual health conference at Lagan Valley Island in Lisburn, Belfast Trust and the Public Health Agency encouraged women to take responsibility for their own sexual health.

A novel classroom approach to reducing bullying and aggression in school children was officially launched this week at Belfast City Hall.

The Roots of Empathy programme, which is underway in 28 schools across the South Eastern and Belfast Health Trust areas, enlists the help of babies and their parents to teach children about caring for others.

The Fit to Foster Club was established to enable foster carers to apply for and maintain long term foster placements. Fostering can be a physically demanding job and it is essential that foster carers look after their health and fitness. As role models to young foster children it is important foster carers lead by example and encourage healthy living and healthy eating habits

A Speech and Language Therapist in Belfast Trust, Valerie Morton, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

Belfast Trust and Include Youth hosted a ‘Health and Employability Fair for Young People’, on Thursday 28 October 2010 at the Grove Wellbeing Centre.

This was an opportunity for young people and those who work with young people in the Belfast area to access information and advice on health, employment and well-being.

Trust Chairman, Pat McCartan, performed the official opening of the Macmillan Drop-in Information Service in the Royal Victoria Hospital. Located on the second floor of the main mall in the hospital the information centre provides support and information to people affected by cancer.

This year’s International Infection Prevention Week, running from 17-23 October, aims to spread the message that “infection prevention is everyone’s business!”
Great strides have already been made in reducing the number of MRSA and MSSA bacteraemias within the Belfast Trust

Belfast Trust is committed to creating a learning culture in the organisation that supports staff in gaining knowledge and developing skills that will enhance the quality of care provided

The Trust’s Crisis Response Team worked through the night to provide support and emergency equipment to residents in the Ligoniel area affected by this morning’s security alert.

This year’s theme, “Beyond the Box” aims to get people thinking about the less obvious causes of back pain, those hidden lifts or awkward postures which are not “box shaped.” We are asked to consider all aspects of life not just those that are work based, where staff tend to be more safety conscious.

World Mental Health Day is being held on Sunday 10 October. It aims to promote worldwide awareness surrounding mental health issues, and this year’s theme is Mental Health and Long Term illness: the need for continued and integrated care

Parents, families, friends and staff will remember children who have died at the Royal Belfast hospital for Sick Children at a special remembrance service this Sunday, 10 October at 2.30pm, in Bostock Ballroom at the Royal Hospitals.

Colm Donaghy takes up post today as the new Chief Executive of the Belfast Trust, following the retirement of William McKee

This week (20-25 September) is National Play in Hospital Week, and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children has been joining in the fun with a packed programme of events for its young patients

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has officially opened Enler Day Centre, which is the new day care facility for elderly people in the Enler centre, Ballybeen.

The centre will provide 50 day care places for senior citizens in the area and is the health component of a larger community development project.

Knockbracken Day Centre were among the winners of this year’s ‘Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards’. Staff and clients from the centre were delighted to receive the Best Kept Day Care Facility (Belfast Region) award, for the third consecutive year at a special presentation ceremony held earlier this week.

Also recognised at the Awards was Suffolk Day Centre who was runner-up in the same category.

Knockbracken Day Centre were among the winners of this year’s ‘Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards’. Staff and clients from the centre were delighted to receive the Best Kept Day Care Facility (Belfast Region) award, for the third consecutive year at a special presentation ceremony held today.

The Board of Directors of Belfast Trust has agreed the business case for the use of the top three floors of the critical care building on The Royal Hospitals site.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has official opened two new Trust facilities - Beechcroft, the new Regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit and the Plenum Building, the regional pharmacy manufacturing service

Belfast Trust today launched a seven point plan to help make sure that more people in its area enjoy the best possible health.

Belfast has the highest level of deprivation in Northern Ireland – and this translates into lower life expectancy and higher levels of illness as well as uneven access to health services.

The Trust’s strategy to address inequalities was launched at the Girls Model School in North Belfast.

As part of European Heritage Open Days, two important aspects of the unique heritage of the Royal Victoria Hospital will be open to the public.

On Saturday, 11 September from 9.30am-12.30 pm, you can experience a piece of history in the original 1903 Victorian corridor, engine house and air conditioning system.

Today at the Mater hospital, the Public health Agency launched their latest campaign to raise awareness of the health effects of sunbed use, especially among young people.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for more than one quarter of all individuals diagnosed with cancer. There has been a dramatic increase in cases over the years with malignant melanoma skin cancer cases nearly trebling in 25 years. ¹

Colm Donaghy has been appointed the new Chief Executive for Belfast Trust.

He was appointed Chief Executive of the Southern Trust in 2007 and for the past year has been seconded to the post of Chief Executive in the Northern Trust.

As a public body, the Trust must ensure proper use of the public money that it has been allocated.

One of the ways we make sure this happens, is to promote an anti-fraud culture which requires all staff to act with honesty and integrity at all times and to take appropriate steps to safeguard resources.

Recent statistics released by the Department of Health show that over one in four (27%) attendances at emergency care departments during 2009/10 were in the Belfast Trust. That amounts to 188,928 people coming through the doors of our A&Es.

The Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation of NHS Blood and transport visited the intensive care unit, Belfast City Hospital recently.

Memories of washday were captured in unique artwork produced by tenants of Sydenham Court. The ladies designed and made a series of beautiful wall hangings which are now being displayed for tenants, staff and visitors to enjoy.

Plans are ongoing to improve autism services for children and adults in Northern Ireland.

The Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Network was set up by the Health and Social Care Board to implement the Autism Action Plan published by Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey last autumn and already much progress has been made.

Siobhan Mawhirk, a Belfast Trust Specialist Speech & Language Therapist was recently awarded the prestigious Laura Millen Memorial Award by Autism NI.

Siobhan received the award for ‘Excellence in Speech & Language Therapy’ for her work in the Trust Autism Diagnostic Service and her research and intervention work within the Belfast Education and Library Board ASD Advisory Service.

This week, USA artist in residence Nevin Bossart, has been leading workshops in acrylic painting for patients, relatives and staff in the foyer of Cancer Centre and Bridgewater Suite, Belfast City Hospital.

Arts Care artist in residence Andrea Spencer has collated an exhibition of the artwork completed in the workshops with Nevin which will be displayed in the Arts Care Tower Gallery (Ground floor, Belfast City Hospital Tower). The exhibition will be officially opened by Geoff Hill (Co-Director, Cancer & Specialist Services) at 2pm on Friday 30 July.

Nevin Bossart, artist from Lombardi Cancer Centre’s Arts and Humanities Programme, Washington DC will be leading workshops in acrylic painting for patients, relatives and staff in the foyer of Cancer Centre and Bridgewater Suite, Belfast City Hospital from Monday 26th – Thursday 29th July 2010.

This year the Belfast Trust will again sponsor a lecture at the West Belfast Festival. The lecture ' Learning from Glasgow’s experience: Inequalities and ill Health' - will be delivered by author of ‘ The Tears that made the Clyde’, Dr Carol Craig. The lecture will be held on Tuesday 3 August at 5pm in St Mary’s University College, Falls Road .

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is looking for your views on our largest public consultation to date. This consultation, called ‘Right Treatment, Right Place’ is on a proposal to reorganise the delivery of Acute Hospital Services in Belfast, and looks at how services can be reshaped to offer the highest standards of care to people in Belfast, and across Northern Ireland.

Department of Microbiology in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have won the Elevations Diagnostics idea of the year award. The team have developed a rapid molecular test for early diagnosis of meningococcal disease (MD) resulting in earlier treatment.

The Trust continues to perform well against Department of Health targets for the reduction of MRSA bacteraemias and Clostridium difficile . We reduced our MRSA bacteraemias by 27 % and Clostridium difficile cases by 50% last year.

To mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Maternity Services at Belfast Trust have been awarded the prestigious UNICEF Baby Friendly Award. 

National Breastfeeding Awareness Week runs from 21 – 27 June, and aims to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, increase social acceptance of breastfeeding and promote support for breastfeeding.

Three in five of us will become a carer at some point in our lives, providing unpaid care to someone we know who is ill, frail or disabled. We would not expect to sacrifice our own lives as a result but, all too often, that is what happens.  As part of National Carers Week the Trust has launched a Carers Strategy 2010 – 2015.

Local clinical psychologists have welcomed the launch of the Psychological Therapies Strategy, by health minister Michael McGimpsey.

The document was launched yesterday at a reception in the Everton Complex, a Belfast Trust centre in north Belfast. It aims to ensure that people experiencing psychological difficulties are able to access psychological therapies easily, and support is available when and where it is needed. It also emphasises the importance of involving the service users in the planning of how services are organised and delivered.

On Monday 7 June,  BBCNI will be broadcasting the last of the series of three documentaries about Belfast Trust called ‘Life Matters’. Presented by Sir Gerry Robinson, they feature the challenges and opportunities faced by Belfast Trust following reorganisation.

The last programme will be broadcast on Monday 7 June 2010 at 10.30 pm and will feature cancer services, mental health, cardiology and services for the elderly.

Today the Belfast Trust relaunched their corporate website. The site sports a fresh new look and contains a wealth of information for patients, visitors and anyone interested in what the Belfast Trust does.

The Belfast Trust has held a special thank you event in recognition of the work carried out throughout the year by its hardworking and dedicated volunteers.

To coincide with Volunteer Week which runs from 1-7 June, the Trust hosted a reception where Trust Chairman, Pat McCartan, acknowledged the important role it's volunteers played in complementing the work of staff throughout the organisation.

In 2009-2010 volunteers have provided an incredible 45,720 hours of service.

Staff from across the Trust have been recognised as top innovators as part of Northern Ireland’s first-ever Elevation Awards, organised by HSC Innovations.

All 20,000 staff in the Belfast Trust – from domestic assistants to surgeons – were challenged in March to put forward innovative ideas to transform healthcare or lead to vital medical breakthroughs, and many came up with new and exciting ideas.

At an event in the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has launched a new uniform for the health and social care workers in Northern Ireland.

BBCNI will be broadcasting a series of three documentaries about Belfast Trust called ‘Life Matters’. Presented by Sir Gerry Robinson these feature the challenges and opportunities faced by Belfast Trust following reorganisation.

A new Macmillan Information Service has recently opened on Level 2 of the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The service aims to ensure that people affected by cancer have access to high quality, accurate and timely information and support.

An incredible £108,000 was raised during the three day Cool FM 'Radiothon' at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The money will now make its way to the 'Helping Hands' charity which supports the Children's Hospital.

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has now been successfully assessed against the Investors in People national quality standard and received its accreditation from the Department of Employment and Learning on 22 March 2010. Accreditation is held for a 3 year period.

A new centre providing assessment and treatment services for children with learning disabilities has now opened in the Broadway area of Belfast.  The new Iveagh centre will replace existing services provided in the Mallow Unit at Muckamore abbey hospital.

Musgrave Park Hospital Pharmacist Paula Crawford has won the prestigious Hospital Pharmacist of the Year Award for 2009.

The Judges at the NI Healthcare Awards commended Paula’s innovative work which has enhanced patient care. Her expertise in pain management has been recognised both regionally and nationally, resulting in her being the first pharmacist in the UK to be a member of a NICE guideline development group.

A team from the Department of Rheumatology in Belfast City Hospital has won the Innovation in Rheumatology Service Award for 2009. They were presented with their prize at a gala dinner in the Europa Hotel which was held recently to celebrate the Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards for 2009.

People using health and social care services in Belfast are set to benefit from a range of new developments by staff in Belfast Trust.

The developments include an obesity management programme for teenagers, an outreach service for gay men, patient courier service which reduces the amount of time patients have to wait for investigations, a home dialysis programme and a service to help staff work to best effect with people who have a learning disability.

These developments were highlighted in the Trusts Annual Chairman’s Awards.

A consultation has begun on the provision of supported housing in the greater Shankill area which will allow older people in the area to make choices about the way they live. It means the closure of Shankill House and a move to a new supported housing facility.

The child and adolescent mental health services has issued a public invitation to Open Days in Beechcroft, the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit, which will replace the services currently provided at Donard, Knockbracken. 

The Belfast Trust is today launching a new Meet & Greet Volunteer Service in the Royal Victoria Hospital. The meet and greet volunteers will provide a warm welcome to all members of the public when they attend the hospital for treatment or to visit relatives.