More than 17,000 children in Northern Irelandto see a hospital consultant for the first time, as of April, according to a review by the Commissioner for Children and Young People. Koulla Yiasouma says the waiting times are "terrifying", having found 24 children with confirmed or suspected cancers had to wait more than 12 months. Health Minister Robin Swann says addressing the waiting lists is a priority., as it tries to cope with staff shortages amid the Covid pandemic.
The request comes after confirmation the armed forces would be drafted into Lanarkshire and the Borders to relieve pressure ahead of winter.While many of us might think back and wonder how we passed the long days of lockdown, Paul Jode has an unusual business to show for it. He turned his hobby of hand-crafting traditional Viking drinking vessels from African cow horns into an enterprise. And they make quite a sight - and sound.