Deeply concerned about the consequences of today’s decision. I will remain in post but the task of rebuilding our health service has been made all the more difficult. A 3 year budget was crucial for fixing our waiting lists & funding our mental health and cancer strategies. 1/3
This is a hugely significantly day. My Department has the plans and preparations in place. There will still be difficult days ahead, and people must not let their guard down, but there are brighter days ahead.
Unfortunately today I have tested positive for Covid-19.
While self isolating & following public health guidance, I will continue to carry out my duties as fully as possible.
Multi agency response to ongoing incident in Cresslough Donegall, being supported by crews & equipment from
@NIAS999
,
@NIFRSOFFICIAL
&
@AirAmbulanceNI
- my thanks to all involved working together at this tragic scene.
Have just spoken with both
@paulgivan
&
@moneillsf
, pleased to say that our soft opt-out organ donation bill has been signed off for an urgent procedure, so will now go to the
@niassembly
Speaker tomorrow.
Congratulations to Sir Dr Michael McBride on receiving a Knighthood in the Queens Birthday Honours, a recognition well deserved for his service since first appointee and more so during the past 15 months.
Welcome news that we have received a further delivery of
#Oxford
/AstraZeneca vaccine this morning.
We now have the supply to complete all our over 80's & when that group is finished, there will be enough to start into the over 75 programme.
GPs already placing orders. 💉😷
Delighted to announce earlier my intention to give students on non-salaried clinical placements, across all year groups, a £2,000 payment in recognition of their enormous contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic.
BREAKING NEWS
3 oxygen generators the size of shipping containers sent by the UK 🇬🇧 have arrived in India 🇮🇳.
Each unit can produce 500 litres of oxygen per minute & provide life-saving support to those suffering from COVID-19.
The UK stands with India at this difficult time.
A joint statement from our six Health Trust CEOs tonight, our health service is under pressure, like never before, please play your part, follow guidance, you know what to do!
Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives!
"We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again."
The Lord said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’
Mat 25:23
I will not be rushed into making decisions on COVID testing based on timetables set elsewhere. I have asked officials to draw up policy options based on an appropriate, proportionate approach to testing in NI. In the meantime, there will be no changes to the current approach. 1/2
🔹BREAKING NEWS FOR ANYONE OVER 18 💉
For the first time, tomorrow Sunday 27th June you can just walk into the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre, at
@SSEBelfastArena
WITHOUT an appointment for FIRST DOSE of PFIZER.
It has never been easier to get the
#JabDone
"We should be encouraged by having come so far, and face into the next hill, rather than the mountain beyond. It is not that the mountain is not in my mind, but the hill has to be climbed first."
David Trimble : Nobel Lecture, Oslo, Dec 10, 1998
A brave & courageous leader.
We have a date for Dáithí’s surgery.
Dáithí will travel to Newcastle on Wednesday and undergo a cardiac catheter on Thursday, which will hopefully get him back active on the heart transplant waiting list.
All positive thoughts and prayers welcome 🙏 💪
Welcome Four Nations Health Ministers call this morning as the
@UniofOxford
/
@AstraZeneca
coronavirus vaccine has been authorised for use by the MRHA, and we expect deployment to start by next week.
We are all in this together.
Earlier this evening I received a close proximity notification via our StopCOVID NI App, so I will be working from self isolation for the next 14 days.
Download
#StopCovidNI
help break the infection chain...
My condolences go to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family who today have lost, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a constant strength, a husband who still took time to make his wife smile, no matter how formal the occasion.
I gladly welcome the approval of my request for military assistance to ease the current pressures on our hospitals.
This is an important practical step to support our health and care staff at this extremely challenging time.
I know our staff will appreciate this support.
these scenes in no way represent or reflect anything I believe in & to those who perpetrate them - why?
Security alerts at airports & train lines - who gains?
I reiterate the earlier joint call from Party Leaders - we are better than this!
#notinmyname
#notinthenameoftheUnion
It took a while to get here, but today the 1st of June, Daithi's Law takes effect. A law that was crafted, drafted & debated in
@niassembly
.
Received cross party support, backed by campaigners, families, clinicians, organ donors, organ recipients & those still waiting.
This is not an ask that a Trust makes easily of its staff, but unfortunately it is necessary as we continue to maintain the services that are expected.
My enduring thanks to all our health staff who do so much for all of us.
Play your part, follow the regs & get your vaccine.
We are under extreme pressure in the RVH & Mater as we care for an increasing number of Covid19+ patients, alongside emergency admissions. We are asking for help from our Trust nursing staff to work tonight & overnight & ask those available to work tonight to ring 07825 140 173
Many thanks for the warm welcome from the staff of the mental health and addictions units at the T&F Hospital in Omagh, since taking on this job I am continually impressed by the dedication & commitment of all those working across our health service family.
Today we welcomed the commitment of £400K from the DOH towards the continued modernisation of Mental Health Services, Omagh. The funding package was announced by Health Minister Robin Swann during a visit to our mental health and addictions units at the T&F Hospital in Omagh.
So very sad to hear of the passing of Sir Captain Tom Moore.
He was a beacon of hope, inspiration & determination through some very dark days.
He has left a legacy that will not be forgotten.
I have sought urgent legal clarification regarding the decisions on Covid restrictions I had really hoped could have been made by the Executive next week. My priority is & will remain supporting our health & social care system, but patients & staff deserve better than this. 2/3
In light to what is being alleged this morning, I am not going to breach the confidentiality of Executive discussions to comment on ill-informed and bogus claims.
Our public health messaging is too important to play games with.
Big day ahead at Stormont today. Hoping to get a resolution to the health dispute over the line. First stop the Department then Stormont Castle and a meeting with Executive colleagues.
My intention has been to see a significant removal of Covid restrictions, replaced by guidance, at the earliest opportunity. I believe that time is very close. I will have more to say on this in the coming days, guided by legal advice & the latest public health assessments. 3/3
Delighted that the last meeting to discuss my Organ and Tissue Donation Bill was with
@JoAnne_Dobson
, the person who first convinced me several years ago of the need to overhaul our laws here. All being well the Bill will complete its legislative journey in the Assembly tomorrow.
29th of September is "World Heart Day" - love your heart - 6 years ago today Evan had his first heart operation - the longest 8 hours of any parents life - and after further surgery and having a pacemaker fitted he still thinks he wears my glasses better than me 💖
Very encouraging to see a united front in the Assembly today in support of the continuing roll-out of our vaccination programme, thanks to all involved.
#COVID19
#CovidVaccine
I very much welcome the confirmation from Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock of 5 million items of PPE for Northern Ireland. We will continue to actively pursue all feasible PPE supply lines to support our frontline workers.
Compared to other pictures that have appeared tonight and are being shared on social media - this shows what I believe
@BeattieDoug
offers to Northern Ireland.
#IstandwithDoug
#HopenotFear
Congratulations to
@BeattieDoug
on his ratification as Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, a challenge lies ahead but I am assured that Doug and the Ulster Unionist Party are up for it.
#ulsterunionist
Hoping for a good day for our health service today.
A sincere & personal thanks to everyone involved in yesterday’s intensive discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.
.
@Andrew_Adonis
this tweet has demonstrated your ignorance of the history and understanding of the Unionist people of Northern Ireland and our desire to be an integral part of the United Kingdom.
The 1912 covenant was a declaration of insurrection & virtual civil war - proximate cause of a century of devastation for the people of Northern Ireland. So sad the DUP celebrate this. Akin to the English celebrating Enoch Powell as their saviour
Just finished a very useful meeting with
@MattHancock
.
It's essential confidence and trust is rebuilt after yesterday’s actions by the EU.
We need certainty that essential vaccine supplies will always be able to travel freely to NI, both now and in the future.
I have spoken to
@NIFRSOFFICIAL
Chief Michael Graham tonight to pay tribute to & thank the crews fighting the blaze on the Mournes, still work to do tomorrow.
We would ask the public to stay away from the area, allow the crews to concentrate in the job in hand and stay safe.
💝 Not all superheros wear capes 💝
Congratulations to the newest Freeman of Belfast City - Dáithí Mac Gabhann, a fantastic inspiration and encourager for organ donation.
A great afternoon when two heart heroes together Dáithí & Evan 🦸♂️🦸.
#organdonationsaveslives
Meanwhile in Savannah USA - Omagh Protestant Boys Melody Flute Band take part in the Sgt William Jasper Memorial parade including bands from the US Army & Marine Corps, received a tremendous welcome & was awarded the Joesph Ramsey Cup for the best band in parade.
#SPD2019
"Yet doctors are hearing the same phrases time and again: I didn't think I could get this virus. I didn't think it was this bad. I had no idea what the hospitals had to deal with."
BBC News - Coronavirus: NI health staff braced for expected Covid-19 surge
Our blue light services have responded to an incident tonight at a funfair in Carrick, it was reported that a ride at the fair collapsed and there were several casualties.
A number of people, inc. children were taken to hospital & thankfully none have life threatening injuries.
.
@SteveAikenUUP
says he and
@DUPleader
have joined an “exclusive club” of former unionist party leaders and invites her on a “pub crawl” when Covid restrictions ease - she pays tribute to him too & says she hopes enjoys being on the backbench
Humbled to be with Grant Weir today, a soldier who suffered serious life-changing injuries following an explosion in '79, he wasn't expected to walk again, he defied the odds and over 6 weeks he walked the equivalent of a 26 mile marathon and raised £14,000 for local charities.
I want to thank
@SteveAikenUUP
for his leadership, it is oft time both a rewarding and challenging position to hold.
But most of all I thank him for his support and the trust he placed in me when he nominated me as Health Minister.
Earlier the PSNI contacted my office in North Belfast following a report that an explosive device had been left outside. Let me be clear - neither I or my party will be intimidated or deterred by those responsible. We will continue to represent people in North Belfast & across NI
Pleased that Exec has agreed my paper tonight, including immediate guidance against all but essential travel between NI and GB/RoI, with all new arrivals here asked to self-isolate for 10 days. 1/2
There's a lot of counting going on today, but the only number Freya & Evan were worried about was how they were going to fit 100 candles on Granny Molly's birthday cake 💯🎂
To all the Sir Knts & bands on parade & all the spectators today I wish you an enjoyable, peaceful & respectful day & to everyone travelling to Dublin to see the Pope I hope you hear the message that you hope to hear & one that brings comfort especially to those who deserve it.
Strong warnings from across our Health & Social Care system on the scale of current pressures, those messages are being heard loud & clear.
Thanks to all our health workers across the entire system and their families, for all you are doing, it is appreciated.
We are currently considering what impact if any the announcement today on vaccine supplies might have on our programme.
Our vaccination programme will continue in the coming weeks and more people will continue to receive first and second doses. 1/2
"I am not an Ulsterman but yesterday, the 1st. July, as I followed their amazing attack, I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world." (Cpt Wilfred Spender, 2 July 1916)
Looking ahead, testing will continue to have a role, especially in protecting the most vulnerable.
Further discussions on funding will be required with the UK Government and NI Ministerial colleagues. 2/2
We administer COVID-19 vaccines under the expert direction of the MHRA.
The MHRA issued the statement below on Thursday. Similar advice was issued by the WHO and the European Medicines Agency.
@MHRAgovuk
🩸Just made my 60th blood donation at
@nibts
!🩸
Blood donation is a simple act that can save lives, and I encourage anyone who can to make a donation.
Check out
Text 'BLOOD' to 60081 or call 08085534653
#BloodDonation
#GiveBlood
#SaveLives
#DonateToday
Today marks six months since the
#COVID19
vaccination programme commenced in NI.
Since 8 December 2020, over 1.8 million doses of the vaccine have been administered here.
Thanks to all those working in GP practices, community pharmacies & Trust teams for getting us this far 👏
Today marks six months since the
#COVID19
vaccination programme commenced in NI.
Since 8 December 2020, over 1.8 million doses of the vaccine have been administered here.
Thanks to all those working in GP practices, community pharmacies & Trust teams for getting us this far 👏
A useful meeting earlier today with
@DUPleader
&
@moneillsf
, to stress the importance of our health service and all those who work in it and how a joined up approach will deliver the support they need.
Please download and activate the new mobile phone app which will alert you if you have been in close contact with other users who have tested positive for Covid-19.
#StopCovidNI
➡️
As planning and meetings continue Northern Ireland’s health service will & are pulling out all the stops to match the booster roll-out target just announced for England by the PM.
First & seconds jabs still available & still important!
A year ago today
@niassembly
passed Daithi's Law, today its implementation is stalled, as I said then, this law will save lives, it shouldn't be up to
@chhcalling
to do it but as there's no other option he must.
Very powerful message and coverage, please share, please listen to Sandra: "Covid is real. You have to live by the guidelines and obey the rules and hopefully you will not end up where I ended up."
"Something took over my body and there was no control... you thought maybe you weren't going to make it."
A Londonderry grandmother makes an emotional plea from her hospital bed for the public to take
#COVID19
19 seriously
Thank you
#NHS70
- just one example - 2 open heart surgeries, a pace maker, 9 other surgeries, 1st year of his life in the Royal Victoria Children's Hospital, 2 trips to Birmingham for surgery - thanks to everyone in the NHS who played a part!
#myson
Congratulations to all those worthy recipients who have been acknowledged in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours and a special thanks to all those in our health and social care family across Northern Ireland, who are all truly deserving.
#Honours2020
Five years ago we got Evan out of the Children's Hospital for a few hours to see Santa
@titanicbelfast
and what a change in those five years. @ Titanic Belfast
I have written to the Westminster Commissioner for Standards asking her to investigate allegations made about Ian Paisley during spotlight - important the people of North Antrim know the truth.
As has been the case since the programme began, the number of vaccinations carried out over time will vary due to supply however our programme is presently ahead of schedule and as ever we will be able to adapt to any changes in circumstances as they arise. 2/2
A disgusting statement. Terrorist murder can never be justified or excused. The responsibility lies with the individual who pulled the trigger, whoever gave the order and who ever provides cover for those who brought devastation to a family and death on to our streets.
Pleasure to host International Uilleann Piping Day 2019 in Stormont, fantastic music resounding around the building from across the island
#InternationalUilleannDay
Remember to wear something red today for
#RockRedFriday
to raise awareness of Congenital Heart Disease, our own
#HeartWarrior
was 5 yesterday 🎂 having had 2 open heart surgeries & a pacemaker fitted
#200HeartBabies
.