Holyland needs more than a reactionary annual response to St Patrick’s Day, says Bradshaw

Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw MLA has urged everyone to abide by the current public health regulations over the St Patrick’s Day holiday and to stay at home where possible. The Alliance MLA said non-residents should avoid the Holyland area over the holiday in particular, saying parties would not only be a nuisance to […]

Bradshaw welcomes funding uplift for voluntary and community sector

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the additional allocation of £875,000 to 65 voluntary and community sector organisations. Health Minister Robin Swann announced the financial package for the organisations which are directly funded by the Department, saying it recognises the vital contribution they have made during the pandemic. “As someone who used to […]

Clear communication key to roll-out of lateral flow tests, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed the roll-out of lateral flow tests in key workplaces, but cautioned that clear communication will be essential to the success of the expansion of the asymptomatic testing programme. The South Belfast MLA stated: “The expansion of the asymptomatic testing programme in line with the rest of the […]

Bradshaw welcomes confirmation of non-blanket usage of ‘do not resuscitate’ notices here

Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed confirmation from the Health Minister ‘do not resuscitate’ notices are issued to patients here on an individual basis, after it emerged they had been given to those with learning disabilities in England during the pandemic. Earlier this year, the charity Mencap said it had received reports from […]

Bradshaw welcomes move to help bereaved as part of Infected Blood Payment Scheme

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed moves to ensure spouses of those who have passed away as a result of the contaminated blood scandal also benefit from the Infected Blood Payment Scheme. Health Minister Robin Swann announced the financial support move for those registered on the Infected Blood Payment Scheme who have not […]

Bradshaw welcomes virus cluster data but warns more needs to be done on working from home

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed publication of data associated with clusters and outbreaks of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland, which confirmed they were mainly associated with workplace settings, including retail. The information showed in a four-week period across January and February, there were 100 outbreaks and 258 clusters identified, mainly associated with workplace […]

Bradshaw: Additional funding will go a small way to alleviating pressures on foster carers

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed news the Department of Health will be providing further funding to foster carers. A total of £754, 800 will be provided. There are currently around 2,600 children and young people in foster or kinship care in Northern Ireland. “This additional support will go a small way towards […]

Extension of vaccination programme a huge relief for many, says Bradshaw

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed an extension of the COVID-19 vaccination programme to carers and those with underlying health conditions. In addition, anyone over 70 who has not had their first dose from their GP will have the option to book a vaccination appointment at one of the seven regional centres. “Today’s […]

Bradshaw says online vaccination appointments will come as a relief to clinically extremely vulnerable

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has welcomed news those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 will now be able to book their vaccination online. From today, up to 80,000 people who received a shielding letter will be able to make an appointment at a regional vaccination centre. Online appointments are available for this […]

Bradshaw deeply frustrated after Trust vaccine mistake

Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called for an investigation into an error by the Belfast Trust, which resulted in community and voluntary groups being offered the COVID vaccination ahead of some frontline workers. Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has apologised for the mistake, which saw organisations in the arts sector, community groups, […]