Reduced A&E could become permanent
Opening hours at the emergency department of Lagan Valley hospital in Lisburn could be limited permanently, a consultation document has said.
Health managers are struggling to recruit enough junior staff and A&E is already operating for a reduced period, said the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
"The preferred option would limit the opening hours of the emergency department and provide an enhanced GP out-of-hours service to maintain a 24-hour availability of urgent care on site," said the consultation document, which was launched for public views on Wednesday
"The opening times for the emergency department and the GP out- of-hours component ... will take account of availability of appropriately qualified medical staff and patterns of attendances."
Key elements of the preferred option include:
:: Middle and junior doctor cover would be provided during all opening hours. Consultant cover would be provided in the emergency department and on call;
:: Staff would remain in the emergency department after closing time to ensure all patients are treated;
:: Emergency nursing staff would support the GP out-of-hours service dealing with wounds and identifying problems;
:: GPs at the hospital could directly admit patients or they could be transferred to the nearest 24-hour emergency department;
:: Ambulances would not go to Lagan Valley out of hours.
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2012, All Rights Reserved.
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 23 February 2012
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