BOMB HEROES DENIED COMPENSATION FOR LOSS AND TRAUMA
Bomb heroes denied compensation for loss and trauma
BY ROSETTA DONNELLY
EVEN those who rushed as highly skilled volunteers to help victims of the Omagh bomb atrocity do not qualify for any financial compensation for terrible losses and trauma they have since suffered, it emerged last week.
At Omagh County Court, two nurses had their case for compensation set aside because they were judged to be outside the geographical circle set by the Compensation Agency of the NIO which determines proximity to the bomb on August 15,1998. Those within the circle, it would appear from the court hearings, are entitled to compensation even though they did not physically witness the horrible consequences of the blast.
The two applicants were qualified nurses who had rushed to the scene on hearing of the bomb. Over the following gruelling hours, they helped victims with terrible physical injuries and shock. One of the nurses, neither of whom wish to be named, suffered shock and depression afterwards, was unable to work, and only retained his home with help from the St Vincent de Paul Society.
While Judge Geoffrey Foote acknowledged the huge and heroic contribution of the pair on behalf of the injured and mutilated, his hands were tied. The Compensation Agency has set the fixed parameters for the awards the court can allow.
Neither nurse was employed at the hospital at the time. However, like colleagues from throughout Tyrone and neighbouring, they volunteered their skills to help in the huge medical emergency in the aftermath of the RIRA atrocity which killed 29, as well as two unborn children, and injured many more, some horribly.
Both nurses are now employed by the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, but because they were not at the time, they were not entitled to avail of counselling provided for medical staff.
BY ROSETTA DONNELLY
EVEN those who rushed as highly skilled volunteers to help victims of the Omagh bomb atrocity do not qualify for any financial compensation for terrible losses and trauma they have since suffered, it emerged last week.
At Omagh County Court, two nurses had their case for compensation set aside because they were judged to be outside the geographical circle set by the Compensation Agency of the NIO which determines proximity to the bomb on August 15,1998. Those within the circle, it would appear from the court hearings, are entitled to compensation even though they did not physically witness the horrible consequences of the blast.
The two applicants were qualified nurses who had rushed to the scene on hearing of the bomb. Over the following gruelling hours, they helped victims with terrible physical injuries and shock. One of the nurses, neither of whom wish to be named, suffered shock and depression afterwards, was unable to work, and only retained his home with help from the St Vincent de Paul Society.
While Judge Geoffrey Foote acknowledged the huge and heroic contribution of the pair on behalf of the injured and mutilated, his hands were tied. The Compensation Agency has set the fixed parameters for the awards the court can allow.
Neither nurse was employed at the hospital at the time. However, like colleagues from throughout Tyrone and neighbouring, they volunteered their skills to help in the huge medical emergency in the aftermath of the RIRA atrocity which killed 29, as well as two unborn children, and injured many more, some horribly.
Both nurses are now employed by the Sperrin Lakeland Trust, but because they were not at the time, they were not entitled to avail of counselling provided for medical staff.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1016
Published Date: 16-May-02
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