NEWS

CGI showing proposed extension at Robinson Hospital The Northern Health and Social Care Trust board has been given an update on the proposed refurbishment of the Robinson Hospital on Newal Road, Ballymoney. Robinson Hospital, which opened in 1933, provides care for patients requiring rehabilitation, palliative care or further assessment following an acute hospital admission. A report presented to Trust board members at a recent meeting said the project will deliver a new-buil

Aerial view of the Causeway Hospital site in Coleraine Plans to extend the car park at Causeway Hospital have been submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. The application, which was recently lodged via the council’s planning portal, seeks permission to extend the existing car parking area in a bid to alleviate ongoing parking pressures at the site. The proposals also include associated access and circulation works, new lighting, landscaping, and provision for f

L-R Suzanne Kennedy, Elizabeth Craig and Mandy Corr Members of the Causeway Hospital Partnership Board have praised the success of a community-based model of care that is delivering joined-up, neighbourhood services for people across the Causeway Coast and Glens area. At its latest meeting, the Board received an update on the work of the Causeway multidisciplinary team (MDT), a partnership initiative jointly run by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the Causeway GP

Stephen Fillis with his younger brother Jonathan. For many families, navigating adulthood can be challenging. For those supporting a loved one with a learning disability, those challenges are often accompanied by uncertainty, concern and difficult questions about the future. A powerful personal account from Coleraine is now shining a light on how the right support can transform not just one life, but an entire family. Stephen Fillis has shared his family’s journey as part of

Staff, community partners, service users and family members pictured at a celebration event marking 20 years of Day Opportunities in the Northern Trust. The Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Adult Community Learning Disability Team (ACLDT) is marking two decades of shared progress, partnership and positive change through its Day Opportunities service — a milestone that reflects how support for adults with learning disabilities has evolved to place choice, independence a

Some of the Farm Families Health Checks Team at Balmoral Show earlier this year. Farm Families Health Checks will return to livestock marts across Northern Ireland this January, continuing its mission to bring vital healthcare directly to farming families following a year of significant impact and national recognition. As 2025 draws to a close, the team has highlighted its continued commitment to improving health and wellbeing across rural and farming communities. The award-w

Pictured at the recent launch of the Prescribe A Mile initiative in Coleraine, including service users, James Cannie, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Causeway Hospital and Darren French, Interim Head of Service Cardiac at Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke. A new health and wellbeing initiative designed to help people become more active is now under way in Coleraine, encouraging residents and patients alike to take small, manageable steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Cahal Bradley, a charge nurse based at Antrim Area Hospital As families across Northern Ireland prepare to gather for Christmas and New Year, a frontline nurse at Antrim Area Hospital has appealed to the public to take simple but meaningful steps to protect loved ones, vulnerable patients and overstretched health services. Cahal Bradley, a charge nurse based at Antrim Area Hospital , said small acts of consideration — such as staying at home when unwell and planning ahead — c

Sara Smyth, a clinical sister in Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department Healthcare staff across the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (Northern Trust) are urging the public to treat frontline workers with respect and understanding, as new figures reveal a sharp rise in violence and aggression towards staff. With Emergency Departments becoming increasingly busy and wider health services under sustained pressure, the Trust says incidents of abuse are placing further stra

Yvonne Carson, Northern Trust, Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager, Valerie Cubitt, Eurospar, Cullybackey, Leona Rock, Community Staff Nurse, Cullybackey Medical Practice, Marion Orr, District Nursing Coach, Joanne Brown Kerr, Development Officer, Bann Maine West with volunteers Helen and  Samantha from Cullybackey Community Partnership. The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has joined forces with Bann Maine West Community Cluster to bring festive cheer to some of the most

Pictured at the Northern Trust Recovery College 10-year-anniversary event are Jacqui Armstrong, Transformation Lead for Intermediate Care and Integrated Discharge, Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health, Learning Disability and Psychological Services, Janice Gray, Service Manager, Joy Hammond, Head of Service, Mental Health & Recovery Services and Jen Hood, Interim Assistant Director. The Northern Trust Recovery College is marking a decade of supporting mental health and wellb

Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows has paid warm tribute to the people of North Antrim after what he described as an “overwhelming” response to this year’s Christmas Appeal in aid of the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital. Mr Burrows said he was “totally blown away by the generosity” shown by local residents, businesses, and community groups, whose contributions will provide vital support to the specialist palliative care facility. The annual appeal remains a cherished tra

Midwife Shelley Sheppard and Sister Elaine O’Boyle from Antrim Area Hospital maternity team The Northern Trust has enhanced its maternity services to better support autistic women and neurodivergent families, becoming the first maternity team in Northern Ireland to receive an autism-friendly accreditation. The Trust’s maternity team has implemented a series of improvements designed to make pregnancy, birth and early parenting more accessible, calmer and more personalised for

Northern Trust’s Farm Families Health Check team The pioneering work of Northern Trust’s Farm Families Health Check team has been recognised at the 2025 NI Farming Awards, with the programme receiving the prestigious Farm Safety Affiliate Award. The accolade highlights the team’s commitment to bringing accessible healthcare directly into the heart of rural communities, and its efforts to raise awareness of how personal health is closely linked to farm safety. For years, the F

(L-R) Northern Trust Day Opportunitues volunteers Lee, Kerry, Shop Manager Shirley Kearney, Chris, Annette and Sandra. A group of dedicated volunteers from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities service are being celebrated for their commitment to supporting a local charity shop in the heart of Carrickfergus. Lee, Kerry, Chris, Annette and Sandra – described as the “fab five” – give up their time each week to volunteer at the Action Cancer store, where

Pictured are Anne O’Reilly, Chairperson Northern Trust, Jackie Burns, Ethel Glasgow, Iris Burns and Suzanne Pullins Chief Executive Northern Trust Cookstown woman and former nurse Ethel Glasgow, aged 93, has been announced as the winner of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s 2025 Christmas card competition, after her hand-drawn festive design captured the hearts of judges. Mrs Glasgow, who attends Cookstown Day Centre, created a charming winter scene featuring a robin

The team from The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre celebrate success at the GNI Mag awards. The Rowan Sexual Assault Referral Centre has been recognised for its vital work supporting victims of sexual violence, winning the Health and Wellbeing Award at this year’s GNI Mag Awards in Belfast. The annual ceremony celebrates individuals, organisations, and services that champion inclusivity and play a significant role in improving the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing

Back row: Dr Conor O’Neill, Ward Sister Karen Devlin, Lead Nurse Paediatrics and Neonatology, Shirley Montgomery, Dr Lynne McFetridge, Dr Aiveen Higgins, middle row, physiotherapist, Lisa Rainey, TinyLife Family Support Worker, Charlene McKee, Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Kathie Dobbin, Bliss Chief Executive, Caroline Lee-Davey, Tinylife Chief Executive, Joanne Morgan, front row, Enhanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Suzie Forbes, Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

A new partnership between the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and charity organisation Pets as Therapy is helping bring comfort, companionship and emotional support to patients through regular therapeutic pet visits in hospital wards. As part of the initiative, therapy dogs Pickle, Charlie and Bailey – accompanied by their volunteer owners – have begun visiting patients in a number of specialist units at Antrim Area Hospital. Gillian and her golden retriever-poodle

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is now looking for new Community Health and Wellbeing Champions to join its volunteer community. The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has launched a new volunteer drive, appealing to members of the public with a passion for improving health outcomes in their local communities. The Trust is now seeking Community Health and Wellbeing Champions who will work alongside staff to help share information, services and resources aimed at