Trust's Buddhist monk sessions anger Wilson

PLANS by the Northern Health Trust to offer staff sessions with a Buddhist monk has angered local MP Sammy Wilson.

The Trust's Health and Community Development Service is set to offer mindfulness sessions with Ryushin Paul Haller at the end of the month.

Mr Wilson, who represents the East Antrim area and is also Finance Minister at Stormont, described the initiative as "an appalling waste of money".

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However, the Trust said Mr Haller, who is originally from Belfast and has taught at the San Francisco Zen Centre for more than 20 years, was offering the sessions for free. He teaches mindfulness to help people deal with stress, anxiety and depression.

The DUP man said the Northern Trust should get its priorities right. "They clearly have too much time on their hands and have got their priorities wrong if they think that what is needed are sessions such as these," he said.

"Speaking to doctors and nurses in the health service, they do not want more monks, but they want more doctors and nurses to help relieve the pressure that they are under."

In a statement issued to the Newtownabbey Times, a Trust representative said there has been a significant interest in the sessions.

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"As an employer, the Trust has a duty to care for our staff and we have a health and wellbeing strategy which outlines the support we offer. Staff in Health and Social Care Services often work under considerable pressure and we encourage and promote a number of activities that can help with stress management.

"These sessions represent one such activity. They are being provided free of charge to the Trust and to staff who wish to take part.

"We believe that by giving staff these skills and techniques we create a more effective and efficient workforce.

"We have had significant interest in this particular activity from a wide range of staff."

The mindfulness class for Trust employees is set to take place on August 25.

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