Urgent appeal for people not to put off seeking help amid COVID-19

The Director of Finance at the Western Trust Neil Guckian said anyone with serious symptoms should not hesitate to present themselves to the local health service for care and treatment.

“I want to stress and reassure the public that if you have any concerns, if you have any service needs, you must continue to present yourself to the appropriate service at all times so that we can maintain as much of our services as possible during this pandemic,” said Mr. Guckian.

Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy also appealed to anyone who is suffering the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke in particular to seek medical help or phone 999.

She said: “I am very concerned at what I am hearing from health professionals locally that some people who are suffering the symptoms of having a heart attack or stroke are avoiding seeking medical assistance due to the fear of having to go to a hospital with COVID-19.

“It’s fully understandable that people are fearful of the coronavirus and going near any hospital at this time. But I would like to make an appeal for people who are feeling sick not to hesitate getting medical help or phoning 999. Local hospitals are fully equipped to deal with patients who need urgent treatment during this current pandemic.”

Colr. Duffy said she was speaking to one local family who had delayed seeking medical attention out of fear of contracting COVID-19.

“I was speaking to one constituent whose wife has a serious medical condition and took ill in the past week. She was fearful of going to the hospital and stayed home but had to be rushed in the next day and received treatment.

“Her family want to thank the ambulance crew and staff at Altnagelvin Hospital who went out of their way to help in these very trying circumstances.

“So my appeal is: don’t hesitate if you feel unwell; make the call for help,” she said.

Mr. Guckian echoed this and said people should seek medical attention.

“Please go to the appropriate service at all times so that we can make sure that your health and well-being is protected at this difficult time,” he said.

NI Chest Heart and Stroke and leading doctors have also urged people not to delay.

Declan Cunnane, Chief Executive of the charity, said: “Every day across NI, 17 people have a heart attack and 11 have a stroke. That cannot simply have stopped suddenly.”

Dr. Paul McGlinchey, Consultant Cardiologist with the Western Trust, said: “We have noticed that the number of patients coming to hospital with common cardiac conditions such as heart attacks has fallen away dramatically and this is a pattern that has been seen in all regions affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.”