Islanders get 24-hour health care

Round-the-clock nursing cover is needed for Rathlin's 75 residents

Rathlin Island is to get round-the-clock nursing cover, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said.

A nurse currently provides care for the 75 islanders from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Weekend services are provided by the Northern Health Trust.

"Rathlin's population needs nursing cover for those unpredictable times," said Mr McGimpsey, who added that the issue was "a matter of urgency."

"When the population grows over the summer months nursing cover is all the more necessary," he said.