Coleraine Public Hearing into Emergency Healthcare

The hearings, which are part of the Commission’s Human Rights Inquiry, will take place across Northern Ireland throughout September and October.

Newly appointed NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby said: “We are delighted to have our hearing in Coleraine. This Inquiry is about hearing from the people who use and work in our Emergency care system. We will also be listening to patients and healthcare staff about their experiences of Emergency Healthcare in Northern Ireland.”

The Inquiry is examining the quality of people’s experiences in emergency departments. The Commission is looking at the right to respect for dignity, the provision of accessible information, and the level of participation reported by patients and their families. The A&E experiences of vulnerable and marginalised groups are also our key focus.

Les Allamby added: “Everyone is welcome to come along and listen to the evidence given at the hearings. We want to identify what works, so it can be repeated, and what does not, so it can be improved.

“Over 700,000 people attend Accident and Emergency Services every year in Northern Ireland. We expect to hear from people who have had positive experiences as well as those who have not. The aim of this Inquiry is to have an improved emergency healthcare system in Northern Ireland, one that maintains human rights best practice.”

The Commission will publish its final report and recommendations to the Northern Ireland Executive in April 2015.