Altnagelvin’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit still at capacity

A spokesperson for the Trust told the Journal: “Altnagelvin Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is currently at capacity, in terms of bed availability.

“If a baby is born in Altnagelvin Hospital within the next 48 hours and it requires intensive care treatment, it is likely that the baby (and mother) will be transferred to a hospital with an available Neonatal Intensive Care bed. This is in line with the Northern Ireland Neonatal network, that all HSC Trusts are a part of.

“The decision to move a mother and baby pre or post birth to a different hospital is never taken lightly. It is taken by senior obstetricians along with the Neonatal Team and they will always prioritise the safety of the baby or babies when doing so.”