Menu
07/04/2008
A&E Closure Slammed
An 'early-closing' hospital accident and emergency unit has been slammed
Things are so bad that a mid-Ulster politician has called on the Executive Health Minister to take action after the accident and emergency department at the Mid-Ulster Hospital closed early without warning.
The unit normally closes at 11pm each night but since Friday last it has shut four hours earlier.
It means that people needing emergency treatment after 5pm have to travel many miles to Antrim Area Hospital.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust said the decision was taken due to short-term staffing difficulties.
However, it was only last year that the hospital's original 24-hour accident and emergency department was closed down.
SDLP MLA, Patsy McGlone, has now called for an urgent meeting, because he said the community was outraged at the latest move – and claimed that staff were given 15 minutes notice of the early closure on Friday.
"It is a ridiculous management situation. Staff were running around putting up notices in here on Friday at a quarter to five. "As we all know, for accident and emergency, weekends are incredibly busy times.
"In a statement, the Trust said: "The Trust has had to take the decision to close the accident and emergency department at Mid-Ulster Hospital at 5pm, from 11pm due to short term staffing difficulties.
"The situation will be kept under review on a daily basis.
"We have advised partners and all appropriate agencies, most notably the ambulance service and local GPs."
(BMcC)
Things are so bad that a mid-Ulster politician has called on the Executive Health Minister to take action after the accident and emergency department at the Mid-Ulster Hospital closed early without warning.
The unit normally closes at 11pm each night but since Friday last it has shut four hours earlier.
It means that people needing emergency treatment after 5pm have to travel many miles to Antrim Area Hospital.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust said the decision was taken due to short-term staffing difficulties.
However, it was only last year that the hospital's original 24-hour accident and emergency department was closed down.
SDLP MLA, Patsy McGlone, has now called for an urgent meeting, because he said the community was outraged at the latest move – and claimed that staff were given 15 minutes notice of the early closure on Friday.
"It is a ridiculous management situation. Staff were running around putting up notices in here on Friday at a quarter to five. "As we all know, for accident and emergency, weekends are incredibly busy times.
"In a statement, the Trust said: "The Trust has had to take the decision to close the accident and emergency department at Mid-Ulster Hospital at 5pm, from 11pm due to short term staffing difficulties.
"The situation will be kept under review on a daily basis.
"We have advised partners and all appropriate agencies, most notably the ambulance service and local GPs."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 April 2024
Health Minister Opens New £1.8m Causeway Hospital Unit
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the opening of a new £1.8 million unit at Causeway Hospital, giving patients timely and direct access to surgical assessment, diagnostics and a treatment plan. The new surgical ambulatory unit will help reduce hospital admissions and attendances at Emergency Departments.
Health Minister Opens New £1.8m Causeway Hospital Unit
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the opening of a new £1.8 million unit at Causeway Hospital, giving patients timely and direct access to surgical assessment, diagnostics and a treatment plan. The new surgical ambulatory unit will help reduce hospital admissions and attendances at Emergency Departments.
08 June 2007
Tuberculosis alert in Coleraine hospital
A Coleraine Hospital is on tuberculosis alert today after a member of staff contracted a rare form of the respiratory disease. The employee from the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, contracted a multi-drug resistant form of TB. However, they are thought to be in a stable condition.
Tuberculosis alert in Coleraine hospital
A Coleraine Hospital is on tuberculosis alert today after a member of staff contracted a rare form of the respiratory disease. The employee from the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine, contracted a multi-drug resistant form of TB. However, they are thought to be in a stable condition.
28 April 2011
Waiting Times For A&E Reduced
Waiting times for patients in NI's accident and emergency care facilities have been revealed. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) has just published statistics on the time spent waiting in emergency care departments within Northern Ireland during the months of January, February and March 2011.
Waiting Times For A&E Reduced
Waiting times for patients in NI's accident and emergency care facilities have been revealed. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) has just published statistics on the time spent waiting in emergency care departments within Northern Ireland during the months of January, February and March 2011.
14 October 2021
New 'Phone First' System Announced At Lagan Valley Emergency Department
Lagan Valley Hospital has announced the introduction of a new 'Phone First' system for their Emergency Department (ED) from Monday 18 October. The number to call is (028) 9260 4643.
New 'Phone First' System Announced At Lagan Valley Emergency Department
Lagan Valley Hospital has announced the introduction of a new 'Phone First' system for their Emergency Department (ED) from Monday 18 October. The number to call is (028) 9260 4643.
21 May 2013
Alliance Calls Meeting Over ER Concerns
The Alliance Party has supported calls for Castlereagh Borough Council to meet with the Chief Executive of the Ulster Hospital. The meeting would be to discuss their concerns about problems at the Ulster Hospital's Emergency Department and its ability to cope with increased admissions over recent months and reports of increased waiting times.
Alliance Calls Meeting Over ER Concerns
The Alliance Party has supported calls for Castlereagh Borough Council to meet with the Chief Executive of the Ulster Hospital. The meeting would be to discuss their concerns about problems at the Ulster Hospital's Emergency Department and its ability to cope with increased admissions over recent months and reports of increased waiting times.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
