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.

Pensioners in a Co Down residential home could die if controversial plans to close the facility go ahead, their families claimed today.

News that over 70 new posts are to be created in Northern Ireland’s social services is being hailed as a major move toward strengthening Northern Ireland’s child protection measures.

THE Assembly has backed a motion opposing the closure of residential care homes. The motion was proposed by the DUP during an Assembly debate at Stormont this week.

A new scheme planned for the Sligo Road in Enniskillen aims to help older people suffering with dementia maintain their independence and keep their links with the local community alive.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) officially launched the next phase of its Comprehensive Spending Review Consultation last week. The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing at 4.00pm on 10th March 2009.

THE LOCAL health and social services Trust is appealing to people to consider opening their homes to a child in need.

EAST Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has accused health chiefs of “absolute betrayal” after the Northern Health and Social Care Trust announced it intends to close Larne’s Lisgarel residential home.