There has been a change to the usual procedure for those that require the flu vaccine.
Over 65s can receive the vaccine with Nurse Keira during the next scheduled GP visit, when Dr Robinson from the McLister/O'Kane practice visits the island on Wednesday 21st November. See the event listing for more information.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust - after discussions with the RDCA - is now seeking to recruit Home Care Workers based on the island. The posts will have 20 hour per week fixed term contracts - to be reviewed annually. The Trust also intends to create a waiting list for as and when required cover for staff leave.
As island residents will know, the Dalriada Hospital in Ballycastle has been earmarked by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust for "temporary" closure by the end of this month. The RDCA Committee is lending its full support to the campaign to reverse this decision. We are inviting Rathlin residents to join the protest outside the hospital on Wednesday 12th November between 12.45 and 1.30 (or longer if you prefer!) Those on Facebook may be aware that the community campaign against the hospital closure has its own group "Save the Dal", which keeps people up to date with a host of information and actions. There is also an online petition to the Minister here, or for those who prefer, there are hard copies of a petition in the shop, post office and the ferry office in Ballycastle as well as dozens of locations across the Moyle area.
Dr Hegarty/Hasson/Nawaz GP practice would like to apologise to clients who were not informed of the proposed visit in January. The next visit from the GP will be in March 2013 (date to be announced & weather permitting).
The Richard Branson Centre was packed on Monday when the island community gathered to say a thank you to nurse Jackie McGlynn, and to wish her all the best for the future.
The First Responders team on the island are recruiting again. Supported by the HSC and Dalriada Urgent Care, the team of local volunteers are highly trained in CPR and in particular in the use of defibrillators. If anyone is interested in getting involved, and receiving the free training, please contact the Resource Centre.
Dr Nawaz will be visiting the island on Wednesday 5th October, and will be available in the clinic in the Manor House from 9.10am to 11.45am. The flu vaccination will be available.
