Western Trust director Geraldine McKay says authority is running beyond funded bed capacity as it prepares for third surge in COVID-19

Geraldine McKay, Director of Acute Services said the Trust is continuing to deal with a high number of COVID-19 patients while also coping with the normal pressures that the health service faces at winter time.

On Monday, she confirmed that 43 COVID-19 patients were being treated at Altnagelvin with three of these patients in ICU.

In total 330 staff at the hospital are not available including staff who are on sick leave unrelated to COVID.

“The Health and Social Care system as a whole manages increased pressures during the winter months. Over the past number of years, the level of complex and serious conditions, particularly amongst those who are vulnerable due to frailty and other conditions of aging, the prevalence of flu and other respiratory conditions at this time of year, and the challenges of helping patients to return home after a hospital stay does mean that our hospitals can run at a higher level of occupancy.

"This, coupled with managing a high number of COVID-19 cases, does mean that our hospitals are currently running beyond funded bed capacity. In addition as the number of positive patients in the local community have increased over the last number of days, the Trust is now preparing for 3rd surge with increasing COVID related admissions," she said.

The senior clinician also confirmed that A&E units at both its main hospitals have been dealing with a large amount of patients.

“Our Emergency Departments at Altnagelvin Hospital and South West Acute Hospital continue to be extremely busy. There has been a high number of attendances over the past number of days.

“People are seen, assessed and prioritised on the basis of individual need and staff are working very hard to ensure all patients are treated in a timely manner. Some people who attend the Emergency Department may be required to wait longer than we would like and we sincerely apologise for this.

“Patients are reminded to attend alone. One person only to accompany a patient where the patient is unable to understand or communicate with staff. You must also wear a face covering. “We continuously encourage the Public to utilise all available community services, including your GP and to only attend the Emergency Department when absolutely necessary," she said.