David Hanson visits Bridge Ambulance Station, Belfast[20/12/06 @ 16:00]

The Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Mr David Hanson MP, yesterday visited staff at the Bridge Ambulance Station, Belfast (19 December 2006).

The Minister spent about 30 minutes chatting with the staff on duty at the time - before being shown around the new station and vehicles by the Mr Liam McIvor, Chief Executive and Mr Doug Smyth, Chairman.

It was not lost on the Minister that, whilst most people will be sitting down to Christmas dinner in the comfort of their own homes, the business of the Ambulance Service continues and staff will be on duty to provide a dedicated service to those in need.

In expressing his gratitude for the dedication, professionalism and willingness of ambulance personnel to serve society he was resolute in his condemnation of those who would seek to cause harm to emergency workers. He urged that every attempt must be made to ensure that this type of activity stops immediately.

Martin Ferris and David Heatley chat with the minister, Mr David Hanson, over a cup of tea (right).

Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Mr David Hanson MP, pictured with Station Officer, Norman Cunningham and operational crew, Simon Fell and Paddy Morrison

NIAS Chief Executive, Liam McIvor and the Chairman
of the Trust Board, Mr Douglas Smyth show Mr Hanson
around an A&E vehicle. (left)

Simon Fell and Paddy Morrison perform a diagnosis on the ministers state of health

Have Your Say - Complaints in the Health and Personal Social Services [6/12/06 @ 16:00]

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety published Complaints in the HPSS for public consultation on 20 November 2006 Views on the content of these proposals have been invited. The closing date for response is 23 February 2007.

Would you like to have a look at the Complaints in the HPSS consultation document and have your say on how the proposals are developed?

If so, you can download the document from the DHSSPS website - www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/consultations/current_consultations.htm

Alternatively you may wish to write, telephone or fax the Department to request a copy from:

Complaints in the HPSS Consultation
Quality and Performance Unit
Room D1
Castle Buildings
Belfast
BT4 3SQ

Telephone No: 028 9052 8321
Fax No: 028 9052 3206

Long Service Medal Presentation [05/12/06 @ 17:00]

This medal carries a Royal Warrant that was presented to the Ambulance Services of the United Kingdom on 5 July 1993.

Recipients of the medal must have completed 20 years service in the Ambulance Service, of which at least seven years must have been front line emergency duties.

The Ambulance Service Association (ASA) Long Service Medal

This medal is available to all Ambulance Service employees other than those eligible for the Crown Medal.

Recipients of the medal must have 20 years aggregate service.

This year the awards were presented by the Lord Lieutenant, the Duke of Abercorn KG, who reflected on the heroic service provided to the community by the men and women of NIAS, and also how fitting it was that this years awards were hosted in Omagh, which itself had reason to be thankful to some of the recipients as a result of their actions in the aftermath of the bomb explosion in the town in 1998.

Tributes were also paid by Mr Douglas Smyth, Chairman of NIAS Trust.

Mr Liam McIvor, NIAS Chief Executive presented the Duke of Abercorn with a NIAS shield by as a memento of the day.

Staff, many of whom were accompanied by their families, then enjoyed light refreshments and took the opportunity to renew old acquaintances.