Work of Regional Trauma Network marked by Ministers

An event has been held to mark the progress of the Regional Trauma Network (RTN) in supporting victims and survivors of the Troubles/Conflict.

Photo from left: Ciaran Mulholland, RTN Clinical Director, Nicola Doherty, RTN Clinical Psychology Lead, Prof Nichola Rooney, event facilitator, Health Minister Swann, Junior Minister Reilly, Junior Minister Cameron, Oliver Wilkinson, Chair, Victims and S

The RTN was a commitment in the Stormont House Agreement in recognition of the need for a comprehensive trauma service for victims and survivors.

It involves statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations working collaboratively to provide specialist trauma care to individuals. It is being rolled out on a phased basis. 

Health Minister Robin Swann and The Executive Office (TEO) Junior Ministers Pam Cameron and Aisling Reilly joined RTN representatives at Belfast Met’s Titanic Quarter Campus for the ‘Our Journey So Far’ knowledge and networking event.

Minister Swann said: “Today’s event has provided us with an ideal opportunity, not only to celebrate the progress of the Regional Trauma Network to date, but to engage with each other and learn more about the work which is ongoing as well as hearing from those who have personal experience in supporting individuals effected by trauma.  

 “Importantly, it is also an opportunity to harvest the experience and expertise, particularly in supporting victims and survivors and their families, to help shape the next steps for the Regional Trauma Network.”

 Junior Minister Pam Cameron said: “It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate the successful partnership working of everyone involved in the Regional Trauma Network, and the hugely positive impact their efforts are making to the lives of those still suffering as a result of the Troubles. 

 “We are greatly encouraged to see the success of this partnership approach between the community and voluntary groups, the Health and Social Care Trusts and all those involved in the Network. The Executive Office is committed to working in partnership with the RTN to build a better future for all those affected by our past.”

 Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said: “I am delighted to see the progress made by the RTN so far – your work is making a huge difference to the lives of so many victims and survivors. It is absolutely vital that those impacted by the Conflict get the help and support they need to address the trauma they are still experiencing so many years on. 

 “The Executive Office remains committed to continuing working to ensure that those who need it will receive the appropriate help and support, at the right time and in the right place.”

 The RTN became fully operational in February 2023. Referrals have been made via Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) groups and Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts.

Today’s event, which featured keynote speakers from various organisations involved in the RTN, provided an opportunity to reflect on progress achieved during implementation of Phase 1 of a three-year pilot, which is focusing on the needs of victims and survivors and on developing networks and refining care pathways.

Andrew Walker, Victims and Survivors Service Chief Executive, said: “The Regional Trauma Network is a hugely significant step in how we support victims and survivors, ensuring joined-up services and strong relationships across the Community & Voluntary, and Statutory sectors.

  “We are delighted to recognise the progress which has been made in the journey so far and we look forward to continuing to build on the connections now in place. It is hugely important that trauma is recognised, and that holistic support is provided at the right time and in the right place.” 

Professor Ciaran Mulholland, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director of the Regional Trauma Network, said: “The Regional Trauma Network has been established to bring together mental health practitioners in the health service and the community and voluntary sector so that we provide a comprehensive and seamless service for victims and survivors. 

“It is vitally important that we address the long-term psychological consequences of the past and we will do this both by learning from our many years of clinical experience, and from the best available evidence for treatments that work.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Regional Trauma Network (RTN) is a managed care network that connects specialist trauma care by drawing on existing resources and expertise from the statutory and community and voluntary sector.

2. This network delivers a comprehensive regional trauma service across HSC Trust Services, the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) and their funded community and voluntary organisations to enable those experiencing psychological trauma related difficulties to access support at the right place at the right time.
3. For more information on the RTN please visit Regional Trauma Network - DOH/HSCNI Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG)
4. The Victims and Survivors Service delivers funding and support to victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict, on behalf of The Executive Office.
5. The VSS supports victims and survivors as identified in the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.
6. This means that the VSS can provide support to those who have been affected by the Troubles/conflict in the following ways:
   • those who have been injured (physically or psychologically).
   • those who care for people who have been injured in this way; and
   • those who have been bereaved.
7. For more information on the VSS, please visit www.victimsservice.or
8.  For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by e-mail pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk  
9. Follow us on X @healthdpt and LinkedIn Department of Health NI - LinkedIn
10. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The Duty Press Officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
11. Photo from left: Ciaran Mulholland, RTN Clinical Director, Nicola Doherty, RTN Clinical Psychology Lead, Prof Nichola Rooney, event facilitator, Health Minister Swann, Junior Minister Reilly, Junior Minister Cameron, Oliver Wilkinson, Chair, Victims and Survivors Service Board

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