15th October 2024
The Southern Trust has welcomed a new Disability Advocate.
Dr Clodagh Corrigan, from Rathfriland, is a Specialty Doctor in Emergency Medicine and is based in the Emergency Department in Daisy Hill Hospital.
The Southern Trust is the first Trust in Northern Ireland to develop this role and Clodagh, who is a wheelchair user, hopes to bring real life experience to the position.
Clodagh plans to establish a staff network, support and offer guidance to Trust staff and managers, review and advise on how to improve and adjust our estate and facilities and work with our Human Resources team to develop employee policy.
Dr Corrigan said: “As a wheelchair user, service user and service provider, I am very excited to be the Disability Advocate for the Southern Trust. It’s a privilege to help shape a more inclusive healthcare system, ensuring that all voices, especially those with disabilities or long-term conditions, are heard and valued.”
Cathy Lavery, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion added:
“We’re thrilled to have Dr Corrigan in this new role and I know Clodagh will be a passionate advocate for the staff and students with disabilities or long-term conditions in the Trust. Her experience and commitment will be invaluable as we work together to make the Southern Trust a more inclusive organisation.”
Vivienne Toal, Director of HR and Organisational Development said:
“Having a disability advocate within the Trust reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce and patient experience.
“Dr Corrigan’s insights will be essential in shaping policies that truly reflect the diverse needs of our staff, service users and the communities we serve.”