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10/01/2025
Executive Acknowledges Winter Pressures On Health Service
The Northern Ireland Executive has acknowledged the "exceptionally high flu rates and hospital admissions" that have put significant pressure on the health and social care system this winter.
In a statement, the Executive expressed understanding for the difficulties faced by patients and their families due to long waiting times.
"We understand how difficult it has been for many patients and their families who have experienced long waits to access the care they need in a suitable environment," the statement read.
The Executive emphasised its commitment to working with the Health Minister to address these challenges. "We are committed to working together to deliver the improvements that are needed and we are united in our determination to support the Health Minister and his department in tackling these pressures," the statement continued.
The Executive urged the public to take steps to stay safe and well, including getting the flu vaccine if eligible. The statement highlighted the recent extension of the flu vaccination programme to include those aged 50 to 64.
"We ask every individual to take whatever steps they can to stay safe and well," the statement said. "Please take up the flu vaccine if you are eligible. It will benefit both you and the health service, as well as helping to protect the most vulnerable in our society."
The Executive also urged people to use the most appropriate service for their needs and to take care in the cold and icy conditions.
The statement concluded with a message of gratitude to healthcare workers, unpaid carers, and community organisations for their tireless efforts during this challenging period.
"We wish to place on record our immense gratitude to our Health and Social Care workforce who are working tirelessly over this acutely challenging winter period to care for people and keep them safe," the statement said. "The unwavering dedication and professionalism they have shown, in the most difficult of circumstances, is humbling."
In a statement, the Executive expressed understanding for the difficulties faced by patients and their families due to long waiting times.
"We understand how difficult it has been for many patients and their families who have experienced long waits to access the care they need in a suitable environment," the statement read.
The Executive emphasised its commitment to working with the Health Minister to address these challenges. "We are committed to working together to deliver the improvements that are needed and we are united in our determination to support the Health Minister and his department in tackling these pressures," the statement continued.
"We ask every individual to take whatever steps they can to stay safe and well," the statement said. "Please take up the flu vaccine if you are eligible. It will benefit both you and the health service, as well as helping to protect the most vulnerable in our society."
The Executive also urged people to use the most appropriate service for their needs and to take care in the cold and icy conditions.
The statement concluded with a message of gratitude to healthcare workers, unpaid carers, and community organisations for their tireless efforts during this challenging period.
"We wish to place on record our immense gratitude to our Health and Social Care workforce who are working tirelessly over this acutely challenging winter period to care for people and keep them safe," the statement said. "The unwavering dedication and professionalism they have shown, in the most difficult of circumstances, is humbling."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:This morning will be dry with sunny spells. Remaining dry through this afternoon with sunny periods although clouding over later. Reasonably mild. Brisk southwesterly winds along the Antrim coast. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry and cloudy. Then the rest of the night will be dry with a good deal of cloud. Brisk southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
