Thank you
@PivotalPPF
for the platform to highlight the severe pressure in cancer care in NI. The true impact of failure falls well beyond the confines of a Departmental performance report, it falls on the lives of people with cancer, and their loved ones, urgent action is needed
On Pivotal Platform
@Sarah_Christie5
of
@macmillancancer
details the "critical condition" of cancer care. Stats published today show "only 29.8% of people began their first treatment within the 62-day target from an urgent GP referral. The target is 95%."
I'm so proud of this young man for attending his formal this evening. It's easy to look at him and see a confident 16 year old but behind the persona is neurodiversity, anxiety and panic disorder. He has come a long way but still some distance to go and tonight was a massive step
This is what domestic violence looks like, April is sexual violence awareness month and it's important to spotlight that sometimes what seems ordinary is far from it. It is also a time to remind folks that it takes an awful lot to bring justice to perpetrators doors so be mindful
The big lad has finished Strangford Integrated College. I'm so proud of him it hasn't been an easy journey but he has completed every GCSE paper, even resitting the two that his anxiety forced him out of in November. No matter the results nothing can take away his achievements ❤️
Northern Ireland hasn’t had a functioning government for nearly two years and cancer care is in crisis.
This has meant the lives of people with cancer are at risk.
Politicians must get back to work, resume governing and make the crucial decisions to fix cancer care.
Because it's
#BelfastHour
here is a sneaky peak of how we are walking to school tomorrow 🦖 Alex has been fundraising for
@bowelcanceruk
and tomorrow is his tenth day and will be over 20 miles under his belt, oh and he is 5!
#BowelCancerAwarenessMonth
A massive thank you to Karen and Damian McAllister from Sunflower Field Portglenone. They've managed to raise almost £12,000 for us and we're completely overwhelmed by the generosity.
We honestly cannot thank you enough 🌻💛🌻
#TeamBowelCancer
@bowelcanceruk
Health Minister Robin Swann met with representatives from the NI Cancer Charites Coalition today.
Challenges currently facing the sector were discussed and the group explored potential opportunities moving forward.
In ND I've been canvassed by 50% of the candidates and some observations, UUP engaged very well, had a constructive discussion which was appreciated, likewise Alliance engaged in discussions, Alex Easton I was rapidly given a leaflet told thank you for my vote before they dashed
It beggers belief that the very systems that people in NI rely on everyday are not top of the agenda and stalemate after stalemate is allowed to take precedence when everything is under pressure and budgets stretched. This is not a legacy to be proud of.
It’s been a year since the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy was published.
We recognise the
@healthdpt
is doing what it can under difficult circumstances. But we need investment, leadership and a functioning Assembly to take on the challenges in cancer care in Northern Ireland.
Amazing day in Parliament Buildings launching the NI Cancer Charities Coalition. We are a group of 34 cancer charities working together for the best outcomes for people with cancer
#NICCC
@macmillancancer
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were delighted to join the NI Cancer Charities Coalition Launch Reception at Parliament Buildings today.
They heard about the valuable work all the organisations and individuals provide for people who
Honestly a wonderful day and the support from politicians, the
@healthdpt
and health care professionals is extremely welcome as we launched the NI Cancer Charities Coalition
@macmillancancer
Leaving the mechanics at 5.55pm for the car run starting at 6pm was cutting it fine but how great does she look?
Son's first car, yes he is only 15 but it keeps him away from other poor financial choices
#Suzuki
#IgnisSport
#jdm
Lastly, thanks must go to all my
@macmillancancer
colleagues who made today possible, the dedication, determination and devotion into making this happen was astounding and it couldn't happen without you - also to
@niassembly
staff for all the work behind the scenes thank you 💚
Watching
#thegrandpartyhotel
as it's usually a bit of light hearted entertainment, tonight it featured a wedding and the bride was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer at 33 and it just reminds me why we do what we do
@bowelcanceruk
#NeverTooYoung
Today my dyslexic son will receive the first round of his GCSE results, he doesn't want them, he feels it won't be good news, he feels like a failure. He isn't a failure, he is being failed by a system that puts testing and academics at the top of the agenda.
#GCSEResults
My actual reaction
#Bloodlands
- was getting all settled for bedtime and now I'll be lying in bed creating a spider diagrams to try and work this one out!
Some personal news - today is my last day at the wonderful
@bowelcanceruk
I've too many people to thank for being amazing colleagues and supporters, hopefully they know who they are. I'm genuinely sad to be leaving after 2.5 years but so proud of what has been achieved 1/2
Excited to be
@ParliamentBldgs
for the APG on Cancer with our
@bowelcanceruk
stand. We are raising issues in relation to screening, pathways and optimisation of treatment, as well as support for clinicians in creating meaningful change 💛
Congratulations to
@RobinSwann_MLA
on his appointment as Health Minister. As the Minister who published the NI Cancer Strategy we are delighted to be working with you going forward and are excited for cancer charities to work in partnership with
@healthdpt
💚
@macmillancancer
Well somebody was excited to receive a star fundraiser medal from
@bowelcanceruk
We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made this happen, as you can see Alex is a little bit chuffed
#bowelcancer
#MondayMotivation
I know the sun was in their eyes so not best picture but I'm super proud that both my boys attend integrated education in NI - only 7% of children here have that opportunity and I'm so privileged that I had an integrated education and now my boys 🥰
@niciebelfast
@IEFNI
This is not a post for sympathy it's something I'm still extremely uncomfortable with talking about, it's to raise awareness and show that there is life after domestic/ sexual abuse but also to remember that there are people bringing a very high profile case who need our kindness
Another day, another appalling and avoidable decision. How long do we have to suffer the consequences of MLAs not putting the interests of everyone in NI at the forefront?
#EnoughIsEnough
🛑TIME HAS STOPPED🛑
Women’s Aid Federation NI now no longer receives core funding from the Department of Health.
We are now the only Women's Aid Federation in the UK not to receive funding from local government.
#SAVEOURFUNDING
Watching the final episode of the amazing
#SuperSurgeons
cancer doesn't discriminate and it's vital to be cancer aware. If you feel something isn't right please do contact your GP
Last day of Alex's Big Walk to School we done our 2 miles dressed like this to raise funds for
@bowelcanceruk
I hope we brought joy to those following his journey and those who witnessed Jurassic Park on their commute this morning 🦖 Still time to donate
Alex's Big Walk To School for
@bowelcanceruk
and the randomness of his walks is still a thing of beauty - if you enjoy Alex's walks please consider donating to his fundraiser, he is changing the world one pound at a time
#BowelCancerAwarenessMonth
Shocking but sadly no longer surprising. We are being failed by the very people we elect to have our best interests at heart - significant transformation needed but will our MLAs be courageous enough to see it through? What will their legacy be?
Exclusive analysis by our
@FactCheck
team shows just how bad things are getting in Northern Ireland’s health service.
The number of people waiting more than 12 hours in A&E is now 36 times higher than it was in 2009.
@C4Ciaran
reports.
Just giving a wee shout out to Bluebell Cottage in Holywood, don't think they do Twitter sadly. They are opening for click and collect soon and Suzie has the best customer service about but I might be biased cause she is my mum
#BelfastHour
#SalvageInStyle
Delighted to attend
@bowelcanceruk
Christmas Concert. Beautiful performances and excellent speakers including
@markataylor16
and the hostess with the mostess
@PamBallantine
A truly magical evening 💚
Brilliant opportunity to learn more about the great work
@CancerFocusNI
is undertaking and the innovative ideas for the future. A great visit and thank you so much for having us
@macmillancancer
This morning, we were pleased to host
@gemmapeters
CEO
@macmillancancer
at our Head Office as part of her visit to Northern Ireland.
An opportunity to discuss cancer waiting time issues, the possibilities of a new Assembly, and update her on our charity’s new strategy.
This is what collaboration in action looks like, we are so proud to have held our first official meeting today. We look forward to achieving great things as a Coalition representing people living with cancer in NI.
NI Cancer Charities Coalition
#NICCC
@macmillancancer
This afternoon, the 32 founding members of the NI Cancer Charities Coalition had our first official meeting. So good to see the
#NICCC
get started - we hope that as a unified cancer voice, we will be stronger and smarter as we advocate for cancer patients and on cancer issues.
It was great to be at the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition inaugural information session! Working in partnership with colleagues in cancer charities is a privilege, providing a unified voice gives strength to supporting people living with and affected by cancer in NI
And now we are both ready for the ball! Representing
@macmillancancer
at the Eoin Henry Foundation Gala Ball which is where my two worlds collide as it will mainly be petrol heads in attendance 💚
Fab to be in
@UlsterBankNI
Dungannon Branch for our
@macmillancancer
Town Takeover day - if you see one of our lovely volunteers out across NI today please say hello or pop in for a chat with me if you're in Dungannon or my lovely colleague
@MairaidMcMahon
in Enniskillen
Today is
@macmillancancer
#ThanksToYou
day. I am delighted to be involved in showing our immense gratitude to our supporters. We honestly couldn't do what we do without you, your support helps us do whatever it takes for people living with cancer - thank you.
We, in the health third sector, are also condition led, those conditions being cancer, diabetes, MS, MND etc. Though sadly we are also calendar led, because health doesn't wait. Seeing the worst waiting times on record is adding to an already critical situation.
🚨Party spokesperson for DUP confirms there will be NO deal to restore Stormont before Christmas.
The party is "condition-led and not calendar-led."
Political Reporter
@jamesgould23
is at Hillsborough Castle for more talks around a financial package for an incoming executive.
Thank you
@mlchealth
@CCampbell162
&
@markataylor16
for highlighting how important workers from across the globe are to keeping our Health Service operating. Intimidating people out of their roles is simply idiotic and will have catastrophic consequences!
Remembering Una Crudden who did so much awareness raising and advocacy, proud to have been part of her
#tealtakeover
Sadly we lost Una in 2014 but at the start of
#OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth
I would implore you to learn a bit more about Una and her legacy
Politicians have failed to act in governments across the UK, sadly in NI they have failed to show up. We should have had a multi year budget signed off, we should have had pay parity, we should have had a cancer strategy progressed, we should have had more people still with us..
Agonising waits for cancer treatment and tests are turning lives upside down.
Politicians have failed to act for too long. Healthcare systems can't cope with demand despite the best efforts of exhausted staff.
We need greater funding and support for the cancer workforce, both
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, I hope it brings kindness, empathy and care to support us all through the good times and the bad. Here is a picture of the lesser spotted son, the one that made me a mum 15 years ago and completely changed my perspective on just about everything
A true inspiration, thoughts with Deborah's family and friends. A life lived selfishly in the pursuit of creating change and boy was change created 💛
BBC News - Dame Deborah James: Cancer campaigner dies aged 40
In 1998 Mo Mowlam held a party in the garden of Hillsborough Castle. Two children from every school in NI were invited and random fact, I was one of those children. Distinct memory was
@GaryBarlow
performing and yes this randomly sounds like an episode of
#DerryGirls
Health is very much in the spotlight and it feels like we have had a shift in the narrative where we are talking about the problems rather than trying to sweep them under the carpet - we know what needs done, we know it won't be easy but it is crucial that we get moving ASAP
Cancer care in Northern Ireland is in a "critical condition". Writing for Pivotal Platform,
@Sarah_Christie5
of
@macmillancancer
details the extent of this crisis and points to a way forward.
@ElaineYoung94
This is brilliant albeit in NI access to public transport can be sporadic. My abuser convinced me it was great to move rural (yes I do kick myself regularly) but I'd always implore anyone to get out, it's tough, your self esteem is shot to pieces but freedom is always 100% better
The Troubles touched us all, we all have our stories, living with the impact and how we normalised those incidents but we are not going back! Our children know peace and it is up to us to keep it. Special purchase to commemorate hope from the very talented
@grainne_knox
#GFA25
We’re so pleased to announce our patron
@PamBallantine
will be one of our special guests joining us for
#remembertogether
, an event to remember everybody we’ve lost to
#bowelcancer
.
To take part on Sunday 11 April 2021 visit:
Cancer surgery can be dependent on availability of ICU beds, when 49 of the 104 (base level is 88 ICU beds) are occupied by CV19 patients the inevitable will happen and operations will be cancelled. You can help reduce this pressure, continue being cautious and get a jab if able
@BBC_TopGear
I've had 18 🙈 I run Subaru Grand Tour on FB and organise Subaru meets here in Ireland - here is one we done. We have 40 Subaru's booked onto the ferry in Oct to go to Knockhill for the McRae Rally Challenge - your welcome to join us 😁
Delighted to attend the
@IntEdAlumni
AGM this evening at the amazing
@BelfastTuras
and learning more about their plans for the future from
@ErvineLinda
then from one inspirational lady to another, off to Stormont to hear from the absolutely fantastic Baroness May Blood
In 2014 my wee Nanny passed away on this day in the Ulster Hospital from cancer. I'm tremendously proud to have made this cake using her recipe and Christmas cake tin - I'm no baker but this made me feel so grateful to have such a wonderful influence in my life.
#Christmas
Why do I do what I do? Margaret Pomeroy McKinnie (Peggy) passed away on Christmas Day 2014 from Multiple Myeloma in the Ulster Hospital just after 3am - another patient sang Hark The Herald Angel Sing as she passed which brings me exceptional comfort as Peggy was simply my Nanny
We had the best day at the
@macmillancancer
Support Centre Open Day in Altnagelvin. A massive thank you to the team, especially Lesley and Gillian, the exhibitors and all the lovely visitors who wanted to learn more about the services offered to people living with cancer 💚
This evening has been difficult, found out a friend has passed away suddenly at 36, he had a heart of gold but thankful for memories of all our mad rallying antics. Another friend told me they have got a cancer diagnosis and then I had a religious caller from the baptist church
Wonderful to catch with
@Kelmba
and
@stewartcdickson
to discuss
@bowelcanceruk
and the innovation of QFIT in primary and secondary care, as well as impacts on diagnostics due to Covid19 💛
And so it begins! Alex did great 3km leaky juice bottle and a stone in his shoe didn't stop him, he also laughed when he told me I had to walk back we are raising money for
@bowelcanceruk
by walking to school for the next 2 weeks
#bowelcancerawarenessmonth
@SorchaEastwood
@macmillancancer
analysis suggests that over 2700 people with cancer in NI would survive an extra six months or more if the 62 day target was met and people were diagnosed and treated on time by Dec 2026 instead of targets continuing to decline - heartbreaking
Today was special, I took the 6 year old on a magical mystery tour to Dublin airport to pick up his aunt from the airport (via Cars & Coffee Dundalk). He hasn't seen her since he was 3 - as soon as New Zealand opened their borders her flight was booked, he was ecstatic
#family
What a wonderful evening with laughter and tears, we owe the NI Women's Coalition so very much. The inaugural Baroness May Blood Memorial Lecture was certainly a night to remember for all the right reasons. Thank you to Anne, Avila, Bronagh and Jane
@IntEdAlumni
🌳
Amazing things happening here in NI, a game changer, it took my bro in law over a year going to his GP to realise that, actually in his 30's, he did in fact have bowel cancer. Thankfully he is still here 15 years later but so many aren't, this will help diagnose folks earlier 💛
Fantastic getting letter of the day in
@BelTel
on Monday, fitting timing with the appointment of our new Secretary of State
@chhcalling
We have an uphill battle but with focus, commitment and accountability we can achieve the steps to support everyone who needs it
@macmillancancer
would like to thank all these wonderful people for taking the time to stand up and be heard, it was a highly emotive day but the strength and conviction of each and every one of them is unmatched. A special thank you to Christine and Emer for sharing your stories
That's not my teenager, he is outside in the sunshine and playing nicely with his brother (he always loved digging holes, he just needed reminded 🤫)
#Brothers
#Donegal
#Carrickfinn
#holidays
Delighted to be attending the
@IEFNI
May Ball in memory of the amazing Baroness May Blood. It's such a special evening to celebrate an amazing stalwart of integrated education and overall peace in NI
@IntEdAlumni
Trying to bring someone to justice is not easy, it's actually hell but speculation helps nobody and sadly what they will face in the justice system will be highly uncomfortable.
Today this magnificent thing happened, five years in the making but she lives! 1 of 48 in the world of this spec and the sentimental value is huge. Mechanic sent me the video and I almost cried in Sainsbury's
#subaru
#Snoop
#soulmate
@markataylor16
Clinicians having to step up and do the work of politicians is not only counterproductive but is a complete dereliction of duty by our elected reps. I see them scrambling to implement change to support our HSC whilst having their hands tied by lack of governance - it's shameful
Big thank you to
@markataylor16
for taking part in our
@macmillancancer
debates series today. It was a really thought provoking debate around big pharma and highlighting the challenges and opportunities we face.
Can we take a moment to appreciate all these wonderful
#WalkTogether
events taking place across NI
#Covid19
wont stop us in our fight to stop people dying of bowel cancer!
Fancy doing a 5 mile walk in September to help raise vital funds for
@bowelcanceruk
@LisaMMcGee
Carlsberg don't do Ma's but.....also I bet she still grumbles at him for leaving the dirty dishes on the worktop when the dishwasher is empty!
Between Jan and March only 34.8% of people started their 1st definitive cancer treatment within 62 day of an urgent GP referral, the target is 95%! This is categorically unacceptable and entirely avoidable - MLAs What Are You Waitng For?
@macmillancancer