Marie-Louise Connolly
@mlchealth
Followers
38K
Following
15K
Media
2K
Statuses
25K
BBC NI Health Correspondent covering all aspects of health & social affairs. Lots to talk about including The Menopause. contact:[email protected]
Joined September 2008
Four people ahead of me in a local bakery. Not one wearing a mask.
5K
573
11K
When politics works in NI: @Donate4Daithi This is his day as it’s announced by @RobinSwannMoH the new Organ donation law will carry his name - Daithi’s Law.
45
277
3K
It is with much sadness that I am writing that Professor Jim Dornan has died. Hard to accept that someone with so much life, wit, and full of advice and laughter has left this world. A true friend. Thoughts are with his family and medical friends around the world. RIP Jim.
119
136
2K
How it started . how it’s going. Meet the parents. 58 years hitched 💜💜💜
59
10
1K
To all those who bully and hassle journalists for reporting news and facts - are you aware of a mute button? Let us get on with doing our job. At least I show my face. Now move on.
80
54
1K
Coronavirus: These nurses will be working on the frontline in caring for patients seriosly ill with #COVID_19uk - they are heroes - and I will bring you their interviews on Monday.
25
139
1K
And boom. That’s me jabbed. Thanks to Science + medicine + Ann. 🌈🏃♀️ #datenight #PfizerVaccine #LookingForward
38
7
983
Journalists report facts. We report the news. That is our job. For the record I also want to get inside bars and restaurants and travel. I also don’t want a return to last year when I was reporting deaths daily. I also want to hug my folks. Mute is a great button.
62
29
961
cV 19: Worth noting - hospital admissions remain in single figures and the majority of those testing positive are young and are coping with symptoms at home. There are more cases to report because we are testing a lot more people. Keep it all in context. @BBCNewsNI.
78
199
909
4-27am wide awake - yet I’m exhausted. Night sweats. Sofa surfing. Anxious. Craving sleep. Heavy fuzzy head. Forgetful. Hot. Tomorrow/today is looming. MLC is still in here… 🏃♀️🤦♀️ I want to tweet this. #Menopause.
93
38
860
It’s astonishing that not one @niexecutive minister was available to come on @BBCgmu . However the public is expected to grasp everything that’s happening. Joint Leadership across all depts is required. The public need direction.
54
88
867
Bizarre - On route to Derry and Popped into a petrol station - and bumped into this crowd of nuns. Asked for a selfie - how could I say no! They ooze happiness. 🙏 a lovely start to my day. 🌈
52
21
894
Love this - Well done girls! Amazing. Can we share this with every female pupil! ? Share 👇 ⭐️🌈🏃♀️ #Feelgood.
9
112
787
Calming and reassuring words there from @LeoVaradkar A powerful speech that grasped the seriousness of what’s happening, showing emotion too. That’s leadership.
20
94
758
It’s Daithi’s day as the Organ Donation Bill is moved by @RobinSwannMoH - and he announces it will become known as Daithi's Law - in tribute to @Donate4Daithi and his family who have long campaigned for the laws to be changed. The family tell me they are “honoured.” @BBCNewsNI
11
73
745
To clarify - @WesternHSCTrust has appealed for staff to attend the SWAH so it can help out the @SouthernHSCT which is under severe pressure. The SWAH has additional beds and I’m told staff have answered the call. @BBCNewsNI.
27
128
716
12 - 15 year olds tell me they’re getting jabbed to protect their grandparents and so they can meet their friends and have a social life.@BBCNewsNI
260
61
674
Why do some people need to know the exact grades your kid got in their exams is something i will never understand! THEY DID WELL. Accept move on. 🤨.
27
18
695
CV19: A significant jump in new cases: 3,231 (2,096 yesterday). 3 further deaths; fewer inpatients - 261 (268 yday) same number of people in ICU. @BBCNewsNI . Twitter Trolls don’t bother you are all muted!.
57
33
589
Stop, stop harassing journalists. I am reporting facts. This is news. It’s my job. Do you realise the impact of trolling on journalists? Grow up and Stop the online bullying.
52
31
587
Sometimes it just feels like most things in NI are just behind or broken.
76
27
591
CV: a person has died from #coronavirus in NI whether they were “elderly and with an underlying health condition” they are a person and probably a husband, dad, grandfather. @BBCNewsNI.
25
64
579
CV: Care Homes - NI’s 118 deaths is not reflecting the true picture - GP tells @BBCNewsNI that one Belfast care home has a worrying number of deaths from #COVID19 and its numbers aren’t included in the daily tally. And that is just one care home in NI.
67
223
567
Vaccine roll out at SSE arena - plans to open on March 29th - 40,000 doses a week! Numbers will be pushed up considerably from Mid may. All credit to those in charge of this. Numerous centres will be running simultaneously. @BBCgmu #lookingforward.
14
75
564
Such sadness here at the BBC on the news that Kim Lenaghan has died. Those who worked and knew her have lost a good friend. Such a kind, generous and gorgeous woman with an infectious laugh. Dearest Kim there are no words.
58
23
565
Vaccine: To brighten this dark Nov night - Prof John Bell (Prof Med Oxford - yes yes yes prof) says: “World will look different in Spring. It won’t be completely fixed. still ways to go but there’s a lot of reason for a lot of optimism at the moment.” 🙂.
18
48
557
I wish bar owners/managers would insist on people socially distancing while they are drinking outside. Yes it sounds boring - but you know what’s worse - spikes/clusters and bars being forced to close down. Come on don’t be so selfish. #rantover.
31
59
544
Breaking: A Dundrum woman is the first person to receive the #COVID19 vaccine in NI. Sister Joanna Sloane is 28 and is heading up the vaccine roll out in @BelfastTrust A significant day!
13
50
522
This will probably make you cry. Where can I get one? 🌈💜.
25
95
532
CV: he’s getting home 👇😊.
I have some amazing news. I’m leaving the Ulster Hospital. I want to thank everyone for their prayers. I want to thank the staff at the Ulster Hospital for saving my life. I looking forward to enjoying life. Overcome #Coronavirus. Be kind. Jesus is my healer. Please retweet this
7
51
527
Vaccinations update - I’d say 45 - 49 year olds could be rolling up their sleeves by the weekend or at least eligible to be able to book online. Sources at arena this morning said “very soon.”.
29
59
494
COVID-19. For the first time since September 2020 @setrust has NO covid patients. That’s significant.
7
35
492
When your folks become bowling champions 😊 #lovinglife #doubles #youngatheart #bowling #parents #proud
20
0
501
The mass vaccination centre at SSE Arena preparing to open its doors. First vaccination is happening at 8am. @BBCNewsNI
13
38
488
As you pull back the curtains this morning - a reminder of what Taoiseach Mícheál Martin said last night: “The days are getting shorter and colder but I ask you to remember this: even as the winter comes in, there is hope. And there is light." Another day. #FightBack.
19
43
479
Ambulances are now being diverted from @SouthernHSCT Craigavon and Daisy Hill to SWAH in @WesternHSCTrust Additional staff have come into work in - Remember NI doesn’t have flexibility in the system or any additional staff - so many are working back to back shifts. @BBCNewsNI.
23
152
496
CV : Unison @UNISONNI reporting the death of this Doctor who worked at the RVH. I understand a statement from @BelfastTrust is imminent. @BBCNewsNI RIP
46
102
474
It’s been a phenomenal year. Thanks for sharing every dip, curve and the brighter moments too. Merry Christmas. Stay safe. Be kind. #Lookforward 🧑🏻🎄🎄🌈🏃♀️.
91
4
467
#Euro2020Final England players shouldn’t have taken the medal off. #badform sets a bad example to kids.
50
17
462
As the sign says Keep your dog on a lead. Earlier I was chased & circled by this dog. It barked incessantly at me. It’s owner said “it just wanted to play.”It wasn’t pleasant. Neither is the smell or sign of dog poop on the grass &pitches where children play. @belfastcc
68
29
442
Julie Lillis wanted to make a difference & she did. Julie ensured NI introduced an audit of those with secondary breast cancer. Julie fought cancer & with a smile. She spoke up & will be remembered for raising awareness of this cruel disease. @Julie_lillis RIP my lovely girl.
12
30
461
My thanks to the Porters, Nurses, Doctors & paramedics who made the @BBCNewsNI team so welcome yesterday as we told their story across the day. Their dedication is outstanding. And today they start all over again. It never stops. @BelfastTrust
12
42
450
CV BREAKING : from Friday the daily COVID stats bulletin will include deaths by where they have taken place. Ie in a hospital and non hospital setting and where appropriate will say care home. @BBCNewsNI.
34
94
436
CV: when the health trusts are ringing patients for phone consultations it comes up as"number withheld" or "private" please pick up your consultant is trying to talk to you. please share! @RCN_NI @BelfastTrust @BBCNewsNI.
11
540
427
Good morning - It’s St Patrick’s Day. ☘️ In these unprecedented times - it's more important than ever today to eat chocolate and enjoy a long outdoor walk. #normalstuff.
13
32
435
Breaking: A primary 2 pupil at a Belfast primary school has died following a severe illness caused by Group A Strep. The little girl had been treated in intensive care at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. @BBCNewsNI.
82
88
411
The unveiling is underway in Bedford Street and it’s looking mighty fine. Old to new. #buildings #restoration
24
25
420
Why is NI leading the way on vaccine front? According to Patricia Donnelly - Head of Vaccine programme- Partnership between key agencies; deployed pfizer vaccine to care homes first; v motivated vaccinators; had locations identified in advance; good leadership on the ground.
14
25
416
I really wish @eastantrimmp had walked with me and saw what I saw in Altnagelvin.
Breaking: covid cases drop in Derry & Strabane council area by 49%. @BBCNewsNI
39
56
387
CV19: If NI is going to try and not use circuit breakers as a tool to fight the pandemic (only country In the UK) that means the public will really have to step up & #WearMask #sanitisehands #KeepYourDistance .I want to have my parents round my table at Christmas.
46
43
402
Breaking: nurses in NI to be balloted on strike action. It follows a similar move elsewhere in the UK. It would mean a “full withdrawal of labour.” The College has called for a fully funded pay rise for nursing staff of 5% above inflation, which is currently around 11.8%.
21
76
383
Probably the biggest health gig ever in NI - booked for a 20 week run and the authorities are hoping for a sell out at the @SSEBelfastArena . #vaccine #AstraZeneca
17
35
396
Menopause: Every woman goes through it. That’s a biological fact. It’s not a gender or equality issue just a “natural” process. Therefore work places must consider incorporating it into their personnel /building plan. Have the conversation. Speak up. #move 🌈🏃♀️🚶♀️🛼 #Menopause.
16
40
377
We have reached another Friday that’s another step closer to better times. #FightBack #lookingforward 🌈🏃♀️.
7
13
379
I’m so glad I hit send - the response has been remarkable, thank you.
High-profile women across Northern Ireland have been speaking up about the stresses and strains menopause brings to their daily lives - but just how difficult is it to admit you're struggling? And what support is out there?
9
15
370
This is Catherine and her daughter Eve. The young mum has come through a double lung transplant. She appeals to the @duponline & @J_Donaldson_MP to see the “bigger picture & to be more human” & to stop politicising the organ transplant issue. I have the story across @BBCNewsNI
24
60
381
In 3 hours - 30,000 people booked online for their covid jab says @RobinSwannMoH An incredible figure - seems people north of the border aren’t being influenced by decisions in ROI to stall the #AZ rollout. @BBCNewsNI.
14
32
365
Class 👇😊.
The spirit of NHS staff is absolutely astonishing ❤️. Please RT if you’re proud. WE WILL BEAT THIS! .
18
120
373
Staff at the SSE arena are told this is a “monumental day” 1,864 people due to be vaccinated today. @BBCNewsNI @BBCgmu
11
55
374
WoW. please please watch to the end and share 👏👏👏#FightBack.
Now is the time to stay at home. Our respiratory team have a clear message- stay at home to save lives #stayathome #fightback #COVID19 #jointhefightback
9
154
360
Coronavirus will not stop at the Irish border. This is becoming an all Island problem @BBCNewsNI what @healthdpt does next is the big question.
20
96
352
All out strike as @RCN_NI members vote overwhelmingly (96%) to walk out. That threshold means every local hospital will be affected. @rita_rdevlin29 told @BBCNewsNI that as in 2019 NI nurses are once again the worst paid in the UK.
13
105
344
The @niexecutive will meet on Thursday to discuss any future lifting of restrictions says @RobinSwannMoH . On wearing face masks the Minister says “not wearing them” in NI is something he can’t support.
29
43
349
CV: A clear message from NI’s Health Minister.
6
96
343
CV19. No deaths reported in the past 24 hours in NI according to @healthdpt The last time we brought you that news was July 26th. @DarranMarshall.
15
25
344
CV: no covid deaths for a third day in a row in NI. Significant and reassuring as we move forward. @BBCNewsNI.
9
37
347
Shoppers out in force in some large retail stores on Belfast’s Boucher Road. No evidence of counting shoppers as they enter - little social distancing. No evidence of management monitoring behaviour. 🤷♀️.
95
38
345
BBC News - Almost 30 NI kidney transplants performed amidst Covid-19 crisis
11
53
353
Those aged 60 - 64 can now book online for their covid vaccine - It is a few days ahead of the official launch. #lookingforward.
23
75
335
It’s time for this folks and a couple of good books. I’m switching off for a while. 🌈🏃♀️.Behave yourselves. #WashYourHands #onmyholidays
32
0
346
Breaking @BBCNewsNI understands several lifesaving kidney transplants did not go ahead at the weekend due to not having enough nurses. The @BelfastTrust turned down the offer of healthy kidneys from deceased donors as they hadn’t the staff (nurses)to support the surgeons.
63
159
344
When your Dad calls to say he’s just had a call to arrange his vaccine in the morning. #perfecttiming 🌈
18
1
335
A major incident was declared at Antrim Area Hospital last night, @BBCNewsNI understands. Declaring such an incident is rare & a last resort. It means there are too many patients for staff to deal with safely. A meeting continues among senior staff.
45
91
327
Sometimes your brother tells you the best news. He’s getting the jab. 😷💉 55 - 59. That’s 5 people I know who’ll be rolling up their sleeve next week. 🌈.
37
11
330
A reduction in the R number should not mean complacency! Hospitals are responding to the spike in cases 2/3 weeks ago and is to continue for several more weeks. To continue the positive thread we need to keep to the restrictions.
11
44
320
Breaking: The #Pfizervaccine has arrived in NI , @BBCNewsNI understands. The first delivery came this morning and is in storage at the RVH ready to kick off the vaccination programme next week. @BBCNewsNI.
24
50
330
A milestone for the @BelfastTrust as it successfully performs the first paediatric living donor transplant in the UK or Ireland. The trust thanks the patient, donor and both families. There are no other details. Good news. 🌈👏👏 @BBCNewsNI.
3
37
331
Thanks to @NicholaMallon for speaking up and including journalists when talking about those who are being attacked on social media for presenting the facts around #coronavirus 💪.
39
21
306
It’s a heavy laden news day full of doom’n gloom. But in a special briefing to health Corr’s last night it was confirmed that Santa is immune to all variants and his sleigh still travels everywhere. Still 4 more sleeps. #StaySafe #BeKind #lookforward.
7
28
326
Lindsay has been fantastic and so generous with her time to the media. We need to listen to her and the other experts. dont be cruel to those sharing their expertise. The media need people like her. Thanks.
I’ll be taking a step back from doing as much media about coronavirus as I have been doing. While I think that it’s still an important job, I have to look after my own mental health. People find it very easy to be harsh on social media. #BeKind.
14
36
299
So @bbcradioulster opens up the phone lines to the anti vaxxers to come on and argue their points. None came on air. Why not? Don’t tell me @bbcnewsline only airs one argument. @MarkCarruthers7.
62
24
309
CV19: A little good news - now seeing “strong evidence” that the restrictions in Derry/Strabane are beginning to reap some rewards. The CMO and CSA says there is a “slowing rate of increase in cases. “ @BBCNewsNI.
10
43
312
Breaking: 3 members from the one family die as a result of COVID-19 - including one who died earlier this morning. In their early fifties - and worked for the @BelfastTrust @BBCNewsNI.
44
119
312
Breaking: NI’s health workers(all from Doctors to porters and cleaners) to receive £500 as a special recognition payment - subject to @dptfinance approval. More details on money to follow. @BBCNewsNI.
22
44
298
Vaccination - a ten minute wait at @BelfastTrust Knockbracken Hall - Saintfield Road. Thanks to all the staff.
14
25
291
There are Concerns around the new strain of the virus which is thought to be circulating in particular among younger people (teenagers). This might alter NI’s approach to re-opening schools. @BBCNewsNI.
45
62
303
Celebration - a significant day for 100 @OUBelfast nurses who graduate today. They worked in hospitals throughout the pandemic. Thank you and have a fantastic day.
8
25
306
CV: No new cases of the virus reported today - that’s a first since lockdown - 13 weeks ago and back then we were looking forward to now! What a time and we are getting thought it.
8
34
291
CV19: one person has died; 2,148 new cases; 276 inpatients and 34 in ICU. That’s the first time in 5 months there have been fewer than 300 covid inpatients. Death and Hospital figures have fallen - if it wasn’t for #Omicron NI would be in a more optimistic place. @BBCNewsNI.
45
31
291