A new framework to regulate the safety and quality of health and social care services was published today by the Department of Health, ahead of the new Care Quality Commission coming into effect on 1 April 2009.

While relatives of pensioners in two Co Down residential homes have told of their relief after the facilities were granted an 11th hour reprieve, hospital workers in another part of Northern Ireland may be facing the dole.

Relatives of pensioners in a Co Down residential home have told of their relief after the lifeline facility was saved. Skeagh House in Dromore was one of two homes earmarked for closure as part of a shake-up of services by the Southern Health and Social Services Trust.

Belfast yesterday joins a unique chain of Cancer Research UK Centres that are being launched across the UK. These cancer centres will draw together world class research and areas of medical expertise to provide the best possible results for cancer patients nationwide.

A NEW £1million purpose built facility providing respite care for adults with learning difficulties has been officially opened in Dungannon by the Health Minister.

HEALTH chiefs will meet on Friday to discuss the impact of responses to proposals to close residential care homes in the North West.

THE Northern Health and Social Services Counci’s response to recommendations for the future of elderly care has been labelled “weak” by a Carrick representative.

A Northern Irish social worker, Fionnuala Patricia Burke, has been suspended for six months after ‘reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol and by having used abusive language to a colleague whilst at work.’

Children and young people’s service heads need to get away from the office and deal with service users at the sharp end much more than they do at present, according to Children’s Secretary Ed Balls.

A HEALTH watchdog body has received 37 letters of opposition to proposals by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.over the future of five residential homes.