BBC NI Health Correspondent covering all aspects of health & social affairs. Lots to talk about including The Menopause. contact:Marie-louise.connolly@bbc.co.uk
Joined September 2008
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1,877 Photos and videos
Pinned Tweet
I5 miles worth of women languishing on gynae hospital waiting lists in NI - that’s according to @RCObsGyn who say if those waiting were to stand shoulder to shoulder the queue would be two miles longer than in Nov 2024 = 15 miles. After my reports yday Caroline Cooper penned:
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NI’s health service & NI needs nurses and people like Chinonso Uche.. I hope she stays bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy0…
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Nurses are all angels! I meet them often through work and under tremendous pressure, and all sorts of stuff, they smile. 🌈🏃♀️
Jun 11
🎥WATCH: First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the Mater Hospital in solidarity with staff facing threats and intimidation.
We stand with our healthcare workers. Racist abuse will not be tolerated.
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Marie-Louise Connolly retweeted
Jun 12
The Health Minister has announced a one-off Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme for adolescents in Northern Ireland. The eligible cohorts include:
- All of current school year 14 age group
- Anyone, up to 25 years of age, who will be attending Higher Education...1/2
ALT A graphic with a picture of Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. Text beside the picture reads: “I strongly recommend those young people who are eligible to take up the offer of a vaccination, particularly those planning to go to Higher Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for the first time this Autumn.”
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Marie-Louise Connolly retweeted
Jun 11
Some of the absolute best in our society being bullied, threatened and terrorised by some of the worst.
What sort of world is this?
Patricia McKeown tells @BBCNewsNI_RBLX that letters telling healthcare staff to leave their homes or they’ll be burnt out have been sent to staff. Connected Health says staff hve had to be pulled off shift..he says his carers are looking after vulnerable people. @unisontheunion
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Patricia McKeown tells @BBCNewsNI_RBLX that letters telling healthcare staff to leave their homes or they’ll be burnt out have been sent to staff. Connected Health says staff hve had to be pulled off shift..he says his carers are looking after vulnerable people. @unisontheunion
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A Wednesday early evening in Belfast city centre.
Reminds me of those covid days.
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In a joint statement The Chief Executives of the health & social care trusts have said “it’s completely unacceptable that international staff, who provide an invaluable service, shld be intimidated or feel too frightened to go to work..we value every single member..1/2
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… their safety is paramount. The statement goes on to thank staff for their continued dedication in difficult circumstances.
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Breaking - Hospital Doctors in NI have voted yes for strike action across 2 separate days on June 25th & 29th. @BMA_NIRDC & @BMA_Consultants say the vote was an overwhelming yes from all doctors.
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Marie-Louise Connolly retweeted
Have you been affected by #ovariancancer ?
Please consider joining us for 'craic', laughter, friendship and support at #StormontEstate Sunday 7th June.
Run or walk - its up to you....
In memory of my late friend, Jenny McGinn🫂
#FunRun #5K #Belfast 🩵
We're in Stormont Park for Ovar-Dressed Belfast tomorrow! A huge thank you to everyone who has signed up to take part and help raise vital funds and awareness 💜
If you'd like to join this 5k walk, meet us at our registration point on Prince of Wales Avenue at 10am tomorrow 😊
ALT A photo of people taking part in Ovar-Dressed Belfast
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Nurses always go the extra smile and in NI they aren’t paid the same as their counterparts elsewhere.. Another NOTY awards and AGAIN pay parity is a theme. It’s a weird night - a celebration but also an acknowledgement by @niexecutive that nurses aren’t paid enough. ☹️
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NOTY 2026 lovely event with fab people. Thanks @RCN_NI @lisaholden @rita_rdevlin29 a night of glamour and catch ups 👗🌈🏃♀️ @CCampbell162 & Trish Prosser x @OvarianCancerUK @CancerFocusNI @HPVAnalCancer
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NOTY 2026 - speeches all acknowledged the brilliant innovative work of nurses. But often their award winning initiatives collapse because funding is withdrawn. They are an amazing bunch and @mikenesbittni shook the hand of every finalist. @RCN_NI
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I feel shocked and grateful - all my family are nurses - it’s a privilege to be a nurse in NI - Linda Hamilton is @RCN_NI 2026 Nurse of the year!! “ I don’t take no for an answer. It’s about people.. I have no regrets and it’s an amazing profession. “ 🩷
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A prestigious award - The Kathleen Robb Ward - outstanding contribution goes to Bronagh Scott - at Nurse of The Year 2026
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“Nursing is not a cost - nursing is money well spent! We have a heart and a brain… NI nurses deserve to be paid like their counterparts elsewhere. You are an inspiration … “ inspirational words from @theRCN Prof Nicola Ranger Btw she said her fav place is Belfast 🙌
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Ladies I am tickled pink to be in your company! 🌈
Wow, the Dream Team.
Two relentless cancer advocates and a dedicated women’s health champion making a massive impact at the @RCN_NI 2026 Nurse of the Year Awards💪✨ #CancerAdvocacy #WomensHealth 🫶
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