McGimpsey experiences frontline services in action

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has had first hand experience of the vital work of emergency and frontline healthcare staff.

During one of the busiest social nights in Belfast, the Minister accompanied the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service as they responded to emergency calls.  He also took the opportunity to visit the City Hospital A&E Department to witness the demands faced by staff.

The Minister said: “Healthcare and emergency staff are on the frontline delivering vital care to the general public everyday.  Tonight I have seen the pressures they face on the ground.  Sadly, a significant amount of their work is as a result of the abuse of alcohol, from the harmful side-effects of excessive consumption, to the anti-social behaviour which can lead to violent attacks.  Attacks on both the general public but also on the healthcare staff who are there to help.

“Despite the significant challenges staff face, they continue to provide high quality and often life-saving care when it is needed.  I was deeply impressed by their professionalism and levels of care and grateful of the opportunity to talk to them about their experiences and how things could be improved.

“I also took the opportunity to reassure A&E staff at the City Hospital that they play a vital role providing emergency care for the public and that the A&E Department will not be closing.”

The Minister travelled in a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRVs) driven by paramedic and RRV Manager, John Wright and was taken to some of the city’s notorious ‘hotspots’ for anti-social behaviour.  RRVs are a relatively new initiative which allows a trained paramedic to get emergencies more quickly and offer potentially life-saving treatment to patients until the A&E ambulance arrives.

He said: “While the focus of tonight was on seeing how emergency and healthcare staff carry out their work, my experience tonight has reinforced my view that people in Northern Ireland have a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol.  

“Alcohol misuse is not only significantly damaging to our mental and physical health but is also having a major impact on our entire health service.  Our health service staff have enough to contend with in dealing with genuine emergencies without the extra burden of incidents caused by excessive drinking.

“I was particularly shocked by the levels of binge drinking by young people who are not only storing up a life-time of health problems but often putting their personal safety at risk.  

“My Department will continue to clamp down on alcohol misuse through the New Strategic Direction on Alcohol and Drugs, through my discussions with the drinks industry, with the PSNI and government as a whole.

The Minister concluded, “The message is clear, drink responsibly, enjoy your night and stay safe.  Don’t let your night out become a night in hospital.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Minister was out in Belfast in the early hours (12.30am – 2.30am) on Friday 26 September 2008
2. Press enquiries to either Jenny Magill on 07833 668748 or Clare Baxter on 07919 400248.