More than 700 Southern Health Trust staff absent due to Covid-19

By Q Radio news

A Stormont committee has heard more than 700 staff are absence from work in the Southern Health Trust due to Covid-19.

The startling statistic was revealed during a Health Committee meeting which was told the Southern, Northern and Belfast Trusts are currently carrying the "biggest load" as a result of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Stormont is set to review Northern Ireland's Coronavirus lockdown restrictions when it meets today.

A six-week lockdown began on Boxing Day in a bid to halt the spread of the virus.

Health Minister Robin Swann says he doesn't want to pre-empt the outcome of today's review - and will bring his own recommendations to ministers. 
Although there are signs infection rates may be slowing-  Chief Executive  of the Southern Trust Shane Devlin says remaining staff are under great pressure:

The good news is that Health Trusts across Northern Ireland have come together to cope with the enormous demands of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The health commitee today heard from the Chief Executives of the three Trusts most affected by the virus.

They told committee members that resources including beds and staff are being re-distributed to counter public demands.

Jennifer Welsh is the Chief Executive of the Northern Trust: