Alliance Welcomes Regional Review of Neurology Services

The publication of the Regional Review of Neurology Services has been welcomed by Alliance Health spokesperson, Danny Donnelly MLA.

The East Antrim MLA has said the analysis "clearly outlines the systemic dysfunction in neurology services from dangerously long waiting times and workforce shortages to inconsistent access across Trusts".

Currently, there are over 11,000 people in Northern Ireland currently waiting more than a year for a first neurology appointment while thousands more are awaiting overdue reviews. Considering these figures, Mr Donnelly stated that the "scale of the crisis and the number of people affected demand that this be treated as an urgent health priority."

Mr Donnelly added: "The Minister must not only back this strategy but ensure it is resourced and implemented at pace. That means publishing a full delivery plan, investing in workforce expansion, and embedding accountability across all Trusts and at all levels."

Apprentice Boys Of Derry Parade Information

Police have announced traffic and travel information ahead the annual Apprentice Boys of Derry parade, which is set to take place in Derry city centre this Saturday (9 August).

Traffic diversions and delays are likely from around 9am when there will be some smaller parades ahead of the main parade, which starts at 12.30pm. 

On-street parking anywhere on the parade route will be restricted for the duration of the parade and any cars parked on the parade route will not be able to move until the parade has passed their point.

Important information includes:

• The top deck of Craigavon Bridge will be closed for the duration of the parade;

• The lower deck of Craigavon Bridge will remain open in both directions, but with access only onto Victoria Road. There will be no left-turn access from the bottom deck of Craigavon Bridge for drivers coming from the Cityside;

• The road between the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge and Dales Corner will be closed for the duration of the parade and will have access for parade bus traffic only. Ebrington complex is accessible via Limavady Road;

• Drivers travelling from the Limavady direction, towards Strabane, will be diverted at Caw Roundabout via Crescent Link towards Newbuildings;

• Traffic bound for the Cityside should use Foyle Bridge. Motorists can also travel via Lifford into the city via Letterkenny Road;

• Motorists travelling from Strabane, towards Limavady, will be diverted at Newbuildings towards Altnagelvin;

• Prehen will remain open with local access and for parade bus traffic only.

SDLP Backs Calls To Save National Youth Choir

SDLP has supported calls for the intervention of the Communities Minister and Arts Council NI to prevent the closure of the National Youth Choir.

Newry-based SDLP councillor Doire Finn, who brought a motion to council on Monday night (August 4), labelled the closure of the Choir as "the latest assault on the arts sector here."

Councillor Finn said: "This is an organisation that has provided opportunities to thousands of young people for over two decades and it's now set to be the latest casualty of this Executive's failure to take the arts seriously and recognise the contribution it makes not only to life here, but to our economy.

"There are currently 360 members of this choir who will be impacted by its closure. Hundreds of young people will be left without this vital resource to pursue their talents and that’s before we get to future generations who will also miss out. This is more than just a choir, it helps young people build confidence, foster life-long friendships and pursue their dreams."