Praise for staff

Speaking after touring both the Children’s ward and Mandeville Unit Cancer ward along with Mayor of Craigavon Cllr Alan Carson David Simpson said: “Every year at this time while most families are enjoying the festivities, there are others whose experience is very different.

“There are families with sick children and others where a family member is going through treatment for a form of cancer. And then there are the many dedicated emergency staff in all of the branches of our emergency services who give up their family time for our safety and protection.”

He added: “One of the busiest places over the Christmas season is always our hospitals and we can be justly proud of the dedication and care shown by our hospital staff.

“It was a humbling experience to get the opportunity along with the Mayor of Craigavon to tour both the childrens’ ward and Mandeville Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital and to see firsthand the level of care delivered to many patients and families at this time of year.

“As a community we owe a great debt of gratitude to the staff and I would want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for all of the unflinching care that they give to people.”