APPOINTMENT OF A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NIAS [31/07/07 @ 17:30]

The appointment of a Non-Executive Director to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust has been announced.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has announced that the Minister, Michael McGimpsey, has appointed Professor Mary Hanratty as a Non-Executive Director of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust. The appointment, for a term of four years, will take effect from 1 August 2007.

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service goes Dutch! [18/07/07 @ 16:00]

On Tuesday 9 July 2007, the Trust was delighted to receive a visit from a group of Senior Emergency services’ Managers from Holland.

Mr. Rene de Caluwe, Commander of the Fire School and Training Department from North Holland, Mrs Marjan Raaijmakers, Director, Public Health, South Limburg and Mr. Herman Verweij, Commander Riot Police and Large Scale Police Operations from Rotterdam, had come to Northern Ireland to see how multi-agency co-operation is used in planning large scale events (such as the marching season) and cross-border co-operation.

The group was received at Ambulance Headquarters by the Mr Liam McIvor, Chief Executive and Doctor David McManus, Medical Director before being given a presentation on NIAS Emergency Planning and Control functions, followed by a tour of these areas.

Press Release – Proposed UNISON Industrial Action[05/07/07 @ 14:00]

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is disappointed at the position adopted by UNISON.

We are at a loss to understand UNISON’s decision to ballot for industrial action. NIAS are taking steps to improve patient care through organisational change. NIAS is also proposing to make additional, enhanced regular payments to staff of up to £7,000 per annum, “ON ACCOUNT AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE” to the final outcome under Agenda for Change, which is the National Pay Reform Process.

NIAS continues to work in partnership with recognised trade unions in line with national, regional and locally agreed Agenda for Change Pay Reform processes. Staff have been kept fully informed throughout the process.

NIAS has commenced a consultation process with staff and trade unions on a programme of organisational change designed to improve patient care. We remain committed to engagement with staff and their representatives throughout this process.

NIAS will continue to meet with UNISON on this matter in an effort to address the concerns of their members.