Health minister confirms military to be drafted in to help fight against Covid-19

Q Radio News

Health minister Robin Swann has confirmed the military is to be deployed in Northern Ireland to assist the health service in the fight against Covid-19.

More than 100 medically-trained personnel are set to be deployed, mainly in local hospitals.

The Department of Health issued this statement on Wednesday afternoon:

"Health Minister Robin Swann can confirm that a request for military assistance for NI’s health service has been accepted by the Military of Defence.

"The Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) agreement will see over 100 medical technicians provide nursing support to a number of local trusts during the current stage of the Covid 19 pandemic - this MACA support is also being provided in other UK regions.

"The Health Minister stated: “I welcome this agreement which comes at a particularly challenging and critical period for our health service.

“The Armed Forces have provided invaluable support in this pandemic, including aeromedical evacuation, real-estate and ongoing logistical planning. I thank the MOD for this support and for this timely MACA agreement finalised today.

“Our hospitals are under immense pressure and an additional staffing complement will be very welcome on the frontline. This is a health decision and I am confident it will be supported on that basis.”