Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has welcomed the deployment of security guards at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Causeway Hospital.

Speaking after a visit to the hospital today (Wednesday), where healthcare staff have been attacked recently, the Minister said: "There has been an urgent review by the Northern Trust of security at Causeway Hospital in light of the incidents of recent weeks.

"A number of measures to improve security at the Accident and Emergency Department have been recommended. As a first step, security guards are now deployed in the A&E Department at night and I am sure their presence will be reassuring for staff, patients and visitors.

" I welcome the initial action taken to improve security, and I have asked the Trust to advise me of the further steps proposed to protect, at all times, the personal safety of those admitted, visiting or working in the hospital."

He added: "Any form of attack on healthcare staff is inexcusable and totally unacceptable. It is appalling to think that those who dedicate themselves to saving lives and to public service should be subject to verbal or physical abuse."