Infection Targeted

Rates of infection following orthopaedic surgery in Northern Ireland have fallen for the third year running, according to the findings of a new infection surveillance report. The Fifth Northern Ireland Report of Surveillance of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) related to Procedures Performed by Orthopaedic Surgeons in Northern Ireland was produced this week by the Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance Centre. The data presented in the report is a summary of information reported by hospitals participating in orthopaedic SSI surveillance during 2003-2007. Commenting on the findings, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "This report clearly demonstrates the progress we are making in the control of surgical infections in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Rates of these infections have fallen by 45% since 2004 and are now at their lowest ever levels. This data show the efforts made on behalf of individual surgeons and Trusts to ensure the safest possible care for patients."

Kennedy To Take IFA Post

A replacement for the former soccer boss, Howard Wells, has been announced as being the current Irish Football Association (IFA) President, Raymond Kennedy. He is taking on the vacated post as Chief Executive in addition to his own role, for the next few days, at least. The IFA's governing body will then meet to discuss the way forward after the sacking of Howard Wells.

Orange Alert

Police are on the alert after an Orange Hall in Co Antrim has been targeted by vandals. Pictures were smashed and drums damaged at Ballymaconnelly Hall near Rasharkin during the attack. The vandals broke in through the front door. The police have just said that the fire is not being seen as sectarian; rather it was linked to a series of recent burglaries.

Opportunity Knocks!

Seizing opportunities in developing markets could help Northern Ireland companies combat the economic downturn. That was the message from the Economy Minister, Arlene Foster yesterday at the first Council meeting of the Northern Ireland Exporters Association, (NIEA) in Belfast. Speaking at the NIEA meeting, the Minister said: "While many established markets, such as the US and Europe, are facing an increasing slowdown, opportunities are continuing to grow in regions such as the Arabian Gulf, India and China. Growth in Saudi Arabia is creating a broad range of opportunities for Northern Ireland companies in sectors from construction to ICT and consumer goods. India, where Invest Northern Ireland now has a trade and investment office, is continuing to experience GDP growth in excess of nine per cent and has huge infrastructural development projects in the pipeline. The impressive growth figures in these regions means there is tremendous scope for ambitious and progressive Northern Ireland companies to sell their products and services in such buoyant markets," the Minister added.

Detective Work

A police officer is facing trial this week on charges of stealing £40 from a police recreation club. Detective Inspector Bryan Arnold Logan has been accused of stealing the money over a five-week period from the recreation club at Antrim CID office. He faces a total of nine theft charges dating back to December 2005 and January 2006. The sums of cash involved on each occasion range from £2 to £12.60. The 45-year-old denied the charges and a jury was sworn in at Antrim Crown Court to hear the case against him.

Indecent Assault Probed

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a woman was indecently assaulted on the outskirts of Londonderry. They are particularly keen to speak to workmen who were in the area at the time of the attack which happened on Fir Road in Ballyarnett village at about 9.30am on Monday. The attacker is thought to be in his late 20s. He was wearing a green hooded top and grey combat-style trousers.

(BMcC)