Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Victory for mum over food allergy clinic waiting area
Hospital failed to ‘safeguard girls’ health’
IF your morning commute has been driving you round the bend you’re in for a treat.
The Glider bus, which was unveiled yesterday in Belgium, will be on our streets in September.
It is claimed the £90million investment “will offer a modern, efficient public transport service THE mother of two girls with a life-threatening food allergy has welcomed plans to create a hospital waiting room free of potentially lethal snacks.
The provision is part of a settlement of a disability discrimination case she took against the Ulster Hospital with the support of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Maire-iosa Mcvicker’s daughters Aoibhe, seven, and three-year-old Meabh O’donnell have FPIES ( food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome), which can lead to physiological shock if they come into contact with certain trigger foods.
Aoibhe also has idiopathic anaphylaxis. The girls are out patients at the allergy clinic where interactions with other kids must be severely limited, especially if food is present.
The waiting room had signs forbidding food and drink but when they were removed, the family encountered two instances of with shorter, more reliable journey times”.
Translink ‘s Chris Conway added: “With additional features such as Wi-fi, USB charging facilities and a new innovative off-vehicle ticketing system, Glider will deliver excellent value for money.” people eating and drinking there. Ms Mcvicker said: “I felt the Trust, by allowing people to eat in the waiting room, had failed to make a reasonable adjustment which would help safeguard my daughters’ health.
“The refurbishment of the hospital’s paediatric unit will now include a separate waiting room where no eating and drinking will be allowed, which will be of huge benefit to my children and others with similar conditions.” South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust spokesman Seamus Mcgoran, said: “We recognise the challenges faced by children and parents living with complex allergies and are delighted we have been able to find a solution for Aoibhe, Meabh and others when they attend for appointments.” The Equality Commission’s Anne Mckernan said: “Every organisation providing services to the public, whether public or private, has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to make it easier for people with disabilities.
“The settlement involves no monetary compensation – but it contains undertakings to provide a safe place for two little girls with a rare and serious condition.”