07/01/2002
Ambulance staff threaten strike action
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff are threatening to take strike action over a series of serious attacks on emergency personnel attending incidents in the province.
The latest attack left a female paramedic with face injuries when a brick was thrown through the windscreen off an ambulance in north Belfast. The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the attack. Both are said to have expressed their wish to return to work despite the incident.
Ambulance Service staff said that following the attacks they could not rule out industrial action. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said that they were engaged in talks with unions to try to ensure that staff worked in an environment that was as safe as possible.
Health service unions have renewed appeals for an end to a growing number of attacks on emergency services, both ambulance, and accident and emergency staff.
The Northern Ireland Fire Service have also reported an increase in the number and severity of attacks on personnel attending incidents, particularly during sectarian unrest.
In the Limestone Road area where the ambulance was attacked there has been continuing friction between the two communities along the interface area. Condemning the attacks, health committee chairman Joe Hendron appealed to public representatives and "all those with influence in the community to work to ensure that ambulance staff can serve the community without fearing for their own safety".
Police are investigating the incident which took place on Saturday, January 5, on the Limestone Road. (SP)
The latest attack left a female paramedic with face injuries when a brick was thrown through the windscreen off an ambulance in north Belfast. The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the attack. Both are said to have expressed their wish to return to work despite the incident.
Ambulance Service staff said that following the attacks they could not rule out industrial action. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said that they were engaged in talks with unions to try to ensure that staff worked in an environment that was as safe as possible.
Health service unions have renewed appeals for an end to a growing number of attacks on emergency services, both ambulance, and accident and emergency staff.
The Northern Ireland Fire Service have also reported an increase in the number and severity of attacks on personnel attending incidents, particularly during sectarian unrest.
In the Limestone Road area where the ambulance was attacked there has been continuing friction between the two communities along the interface area. Condemning the attacks, health committee chairman Joe Hendron appealed to public representatives and "all those with influence in the community to work to ensure that ambulance staff can serve the community without fearing for their own safety".
Police are investigating the incident which took place on Saturday, January 5, on the Limestone Road. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 February 2024
School Workers To Consider Further Strike Action
School workers in Northern Ireland are to consider further industrial action, in an ongoing dispute over pay. The GMB Union, which represents more than 3,000 classroom assistants, kitchen staff, bus drivers, cleaners, admin workers and others, met with Education Minister Paul Givan at Stormont on Tuesday, 20 February.
School Workers To Consider Further Strike Action
School workers in Northern Ireland are to consider further industrial action, in an ongoing dispute over pay. The GMB Union, which represents more than 3,000 classroom assistants, kitchen staff, bus drivers, cleaners, admin workers and others, met with Education Minister Paul Givan at Stormont on Tuesday, 20 February.
28 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Infrastructure Minister Commits To Irish Language On Public Services Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has pledged his continuing support for the promotion of the Irish language on public services.
Other News In Brief
Infrastructure Minister Commits To Irish Language On Public Services Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has pledged his continuing support for the promotion of the Irish language on public services.
28 March 2024
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
PSNI Launch North Coast Easter Safety Message
The PSNI have partnered with Translink and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to ensure the safety of residents and those visiting the North Coast this Easter, focussing on Safer Roads, Safer Communities and Safer Socialising.
22 March 2024
Health Minister Praises Work Of Mater Hospital's EOSC Staff
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has highlighted the innovative work of staff at the Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) in Belfast's Mater Hospital.
Health Minister Praises Work Of Mater Hospital's EOSC Staff
Health Minister, Robin Swann, has highlighted the innovative work of staff at the Elective Overnight Stay Centre (EOSC) in Belfast's Mater Hospital.
28 March 2024
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.
River Lagan Flood Protection Works Underway
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that flood protection refurbishment work on the River Lagan has got underway. The work costing £900k is being carried out by local building contractor Maurice Flynn and Sons who are replacing the gates at the Hilden and Lambeg river control structures on the River Lagan.