Three swine flu-related NI deaths

A second child from Foyleview special school in Londonderry, Ashleigh Lynch, has died after contracting swine flu.

Ashleigh's fellow pupil, 14-year-old Orla O'Kane, died last week. Ashleigh was one of three people to die on Wednesday after contracting the virus.
The health department said a 62-year-old man with swine flu had died but "it was not the cause of his death".
A third patient with swine flu and other complex health issues has also died in hospital.
No further details were released, but it is understood the victim was a young child who attended a special school in Belfast and had been in intensive care.
Ashleigh Lynch's family said she had "brought much joy and richness" to her relatives and friends.
In a statement the family said she was a much-loved daughter, sister, aunt and grand-daughter.
"The passing of Ashleigh is felt most deeply by her family, who grieve for her at this time," the Lynch family said.
'Priority'
"The family wish to express thanks to all of the medical staff who have cared with such great compassion for Ashleigh. They are also appreciative of the love and care of their family and friends at this most difficult of times."
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride said there were no plans to close the school.
"We are starting on Thursday and Friday to target (with swine flu vaccine) in the first instance all children attending schools for children with severe learning disability," he said.
"We will then gradually make arrangements over the next number of days and next number of weeks to extend that programme to all such children and young adults in other schools.
"Our first priority is to get this vaccine out."
The Western Education and Library Board offered its sympathy to the families of the two pupils and the school's governors, staff and pupils.
A WELB spokesperson said the school continued to deal with outbreaks of swine flu in line with the direction received from the Public Health Agency and the school's critial incident plan.

"The board of governors and staff of Foyleview School are reviewing the situation on a regular basis in consultation with the PHA and the WELB so that reasonable and appropriate steps are taken to meet the needs of pupils, staff and families who are directly affected within the Foyleview School community," the spokesperson said.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey apologised for not informing Orla O'Kane's family that she had swine flu until two days after her funeral.
'At risk'
News of the latest death comes on the day that Northern Ireland's swine flu vaccination programme was launched by Mr McGimpsey.
The first batches were given to frontline health and social care staff and those in "at risk" groups.
About 55,000 doses have been delivered so far and more are due to arrive soon.
At risk groups include those aged between six months and 65 in the annual seasonal flu vaccination programme and all pregnant women.
They also include household contacts of those with immunity problems and people aged 65 and over who would normally get a seasonal flu jab.
Urgent arrangements are also being put in place to offer the vaccine to children with complex needs and severe learning disability.
Starting tomorrow and Friday, the vaccine will be offered to around 2,500 pupils in over 20 special schools. Many of these pupils are at most risk from complications of swine flu.
Ten people from Northern Ireland who had the virus have died - eight in NI and the other two in England and Spain.







http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8318987.stm