Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8318987.stm
Second pupil with swine flu dies
A fellow pupil of Orla O'Kane has died after contracting swine flu
A second child from Foyleview special school in Londonderry has died after contracting swine flu.
Ashleigh Lynch is understood to be a fellow pupil of 14-year-old Orla O'Kane who died last week. Five Foyleview pupils have now contracted swine flu.
Ashleigh is the eighth person from Northern Ireland to die after contracting the virus.
Her family said she had "brought much joy and richness" to her relatives and friends.
In a statement the family said she was a much-loved daughter, sister, aunt and grand-daughter.
"The passing of Ashleigh is felt most deeply by her family, who grieve for her at this time," the Lynch family said.
"The family wish to express thanks to all of the medical staff who have cared with such great compassion for Ashleigh. They are also appreciative of the love and care of their family and friends at this most difficult of times."
Ashleigh's family also requested that their privacy be respected as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey apologised for not informing Orla O'Kane's family that she had swine flu until two days after her funeral.
News of the latest death comes on the day that Northern Ireland's swine flu vaccination programme was launched by Mr McGimpsey.
The first batches were given to frontline health and social care staff and those in "at risk" groups.
About 55,000 doses have been delivered so far and more are due to arrive soon.
At risk groups include those aged between six months and 65 in the annual seasonal flu vaccination programme and all pregnant women.
They also include household contacts of those with immunity problems and people aged 65 and over who would normally get a seasonal flu jab.
Urgent arrangements are also being put in place to offer the vaccine to children with complex needs and severe learning disability.
Starting tomorrow and Friday, the vaccine will be offered to around 2,500 pupils in over 20 special schools. Many of these pupils are at most risk from complications of swine flu.
Eight people from Northern Ireland have died of the virus - six in NI and the other two in England and Spain.
Second pupil with swine flu dies
A fellow pupil of Orla O'Kane has died after contracting swine flu
A second child from Foyleview special school in Londonderry has died after contracting swine flu.
Ashleigh Lynch is understood to be a fellow pupil of 14-year-old Orla O'Kane who died last week. Five Foyleview pupils have now contracted swine flu.
Ashleigh is the eighth person from Northern Ireland to die after contracting the virus.
Her family said she had "brought much joy and richness" to her relatives and friends.
In a statement the family said she was a much-loved daughter, sister, aunt and grand-daughter.
"The passing of Ashleigh is felt most deeply by her family, who grieve for her at this time," the Lynch family said.
"The family wish to express thanks to all of the medical staff who have cared with such great compassion for Ashleigh. They are also appreciative of the love and care of their family and friends at this most difficult of times."
Ashleigh's family also requested that their privacy be respected as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.
Earlier this week, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey apologised for not informing Orla O'Kane's family that she had swine flu until two days after her funeral.
News of the latest death comes on the day that Northern Ireland's swine flu vaccination programme was launched by Mr McGimpsey.
The first batches were given to frontline health and social care staff and those in "at risk" groups.
About 55,000 doses have been delivered so far and more are due to arrive soon.
At risk groups include those aged between six months and 65 in the annual seasonal flu vaccination programme and all pregnant women.
They also include household contacts of those with immunity problems and people aged 65 and over who would normally get a seasonal flu jab.
Urgent arrangements are also being put in place to offer the vaccine to children with complex needs and severe learning disability.
Starting tomorrow and Friday, the vaccine will be offered to around 2,500 pupils in over 20 special schools. Many of these pupils are at most risk from complications of swine flu.
Eight people from Northern Ireland have died of the virus - six in NI and the other two in England and Spain.