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This is the latest Annual Review of the Council's activities, and covers the period April 2002 to March 2003. We hope you find it informative.
You can contact us by writing to:
Northern
Health and Social Services Council
8 Broadway Avenue
Ballymena
BT43 7AA
Phone:
028 2565 5777
Minicom: 028 2565 5777
Fax: 028 2565 5112
Freephone: 0800 917 0222
Click here to e-mail us at info@nhssc.n-i.nhs.uk
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A Message from the Chairman Reviews of services, proposals and consultation documents seem to have dominated all aspects of the provision of health and social care during my six years membership of the NHSSC. It is only in recent months that the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has finalised the plans by which future hospital services, based largely on the Hayes proposals, will serve the needs of our community. Uncertainty gives rise to anxieties so it is helpful to be able to view the overall picture and to hear the logic behind the new arrangements. |
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The future status and range of services provided by the Mid-Ulster and Whiteabbey Hospitals in particular was a cause of major anxieties for those living in their catchment areas and one can but hope that these concerns can be laid to rest. Similarly the ongoing review of the ambulance service must surely see the increased effectiveness of provision to rural areas as vital.
Naturally as a Council we would hope that the whole area of social care in the community would be staffed and funded appropriately to reduce waiting times for assessment and to enhance the proficiency of services.
The setting up of the four Local Health and Social Care Groups has been a positive development. Their first annual work programmes illustrate the energy and expertise of the appointed Chairs and members. They deserve to succeed.
Through our ongoing contact with the Northern Board and the three Trust Boards in our area, the Council is acutely aware of the pressures under which they operate and I acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the vast majority of their staff. I believe that the relationship established between Council and these bodies is mutually beneficial and will continue to develop.
The success of the Council in fulfilling its role is dependent on the good working relationship between staff and members. During the past six years I have come to recognise the generosity of spirit and willingness to co-operate with one another is the corner stone to their relationship.
I am very grateful for the friendships I have made over the past six years and for the co-operation shown me as Vice-Chair and Chairman by staff and members. It has been a privilege to be involved in the work of the NHSSC and I wish it continuing success.
JOE
MCFADDEN